Oklahoma softball knew it had a challenge ahead when reigning SEC Pitcher of the Year Karlyn Pickens rolled into town. In last week’s Lady Vols' win over Arkansas, Pickens set the record for fastest-recorded pitch in softball history when she was clocked at 78.

The second-ranked Oklahoma Sooners and the soldout crowd at Love's Field were left in shock after the No. 14 Tennessee Lady Vols took the series with a 5-3 win

No. 16 Arkansas defeated No. 7 Tennessee 9-0 to secure a signature series victory at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium. The Razorbacks (23-6, 3-5 SEC) are the only program to have beaten the Lady Vols in an SEC series since 2023. Tennessee is 17-2 in its last 19 league series, with both losses coming against Arkansas.

Tennessee softball and record breaking pitcher Karlyn Pickens was invited by the Savannah Bananas to pitch for them. She asked, 'when and where?'

Karlyn Pickens set a new NCAA softball record with a blazing 78.2 mph pitch. The historic throw has sparked excitement among fans and athletes.

and proceeded to throw the fastest pitch in collegiate softball history. Pickens' historic pitch happened in the sixth inning of Tennessee's game against Arkansas. Her pitch clocked in at 78.2 mph.

Arkansas (23-6, 3-5) got a great mound effort from freshman starting pitcher Payton Burnham (6-2, 2.23 ERA), who tossed 6 1/3 scoreless innings to get the win, which clinched the series ahead of Monday’s 6 p.m. finale.

Arkansas third baseman Ella McDowell rounds third after hitting a home run, Sunday, March 30, 2025, during the sixth inning of the Razorbacks' game against Kentucky at Bogle Park in Fayetteville. (Sadie Rucker/Arkansas athletics)

It gets repeated often, but it’s still true when it comes to OU softball. The ridiculous standard just means things are perceived a different way. It doesn’t matter there is a whole new cast of characters.

Tennessee baseball has won 12 straight SEC series. The No. 1 Vols won 7-5 on Saturday at South Carolina to claim the series.