Lady Vols List Ace Karlyn Pickens as Day‑to‑Day After Arm Strain

Image: Avery Bane/Tennessee Athletics

KNOXVILLE — Lady Vols softball fans got the best possible news Wednesday after ace Karlyn Pickens exited Tuesday’s game against Belmont with what appeared to be shoulder discomfort. 

"Karlyn Pickens suffered an arm strain during the Belmont game," UT announced. "She was evaluated Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. She is currently listed day-to-day."

Take a sigh of relief, Vol Nation.

Pickens, a senior from Weaverville, North Carolina, left after 1.1 innings with two strikeouts, and the early exit immediately raised concern given her importance to the nation’s No. 1 team. Instead, Tennessee avoided worse-case possible.

Through nine appearances this season, Pickens has been nothing short of dominant. She carries a 0.60 ERA across 46.2 innings, striking out 68 while allowing just four earned runs. The two-time SEC Pitcher of the Year has been the anchor (once again) for the Lady Vol pitching staff and (once again) the most reliable arm in the SEC.

The Lady Vols begin conference action Friday at home against LSU at 6 p.m. ET on SEC Network+, and Pickens’ status will be monitored closely as the series approaches.