Karen Weekly says Ashley Rogers rebounding early was 'huge' for Tennessee

Ashley Rogers’ first inning on the mound led the way for Tennessee‘s offensive efforts to overtake Alabama 10-5 to open action in the 2023 Women’s College World Series on Thursday afternoon.

Rogers allowed the first two Crimson Tide runners to reach base to lead off the CWS matchup. Both moved into scoring position, but Rogers’ non-pitching efforts allowed her to rebound two line outs to record two of three outs to end the inning and get out of the opening jam unscathed.

“That was huge — huge,” Weekly said of her first inning performance. “If we go down there, it just kind of depends. If you go down one, you’re probably feeling okay. For them to get runners on first and third, and then we get three outs, the ball doesn’t get out of the infield, that was big time. Big time. That just speaks to Ashley’s toughness. She just willed herself to get those outs, and she did.”

She went on to pitch 4.0 innings of three-hit softball. Despite carrying a 0.83 ERA, Rogers allowed two earned runs to the Crimson Tide before being relieved for Payton Gottshall for the final three innings. The two went on to throw 128 total pitches including 77 strikes (60.2 percent strike percentage) and were able to record the combined victory.

That type of production is nothing new to Rogers, who has been one of the most dominant pitchers in the country this season.

Sitting at 19-1 in 20 starts, Rogers has pitched over 130 innings this season and has only allowed 17 runs on the season. She has pitched 12 complete games in 26 appearances — but she can do more than just start. Rogers recorded her first and only save of the season so far in the SEC Tournament final against South Carolina on May 13. She also tossed her second career no-hitter against Ole Miss in March where she struck out nine batters in the Lady Vols’ 6-0 SEC opening victory.

Now that the Vols have moved past the Crimson Tide, Tennessee advances in the winner’s bracket and is set to face top overall seed Oklahoma on Saturday. First pitch is set for 3 p.m. ET live on ABC and ESPN+.

“We’ll get to work on [watching film]. It’s hard not to know what Oklahoma is doing. I think we all hear about it,” Weekly said. “I mean, they’re loaded. They’re just absolutely loaded. It will be a great game, a great game. I’m excited for our team to have that opportunity to play that game.”