Tennessee Pitcher Karlyn Pickens Throws Fastest NCAA Softball Pitch

Tennessee pitcher Karlyn Pickens set a new NCAA softball record with a pitch clocked at 79.4 mph during the Knoxville Super Regional against Nebraska, breaking her own previous record of 78.2 mph. Her dominant performance, including 11 strikeouts and allowing only two runs on five hits, helped Tennessee force a decisive Game 3 to advance to the Women’s College World Series. Pickens, a junior from Weaverville, North Carolina, boasts a remarkable 1.03 ERA and was named the SEC Pitcher of the Year, with her season statistics ranking among the nation’s best. Tennessee’s coach highlighted Pickens' combination of velocity and effective changeup as key to her success. The record-breaking pitch surpassed the previous fastest pitch by Monica Abbott, which stood at 77 mph. The winner of the upcoming Game 3 will secure a spot in the Women’s College World Series in Oklahoma City.