Hoover Run for #14/21 Vols Ends with Semifinal Loss to #9/9 Vanderbilt
Courtesy / UT Athletics

Hoover Run for #14/21 Vols Ends with Semifinal Loss to #9/9 Vanderbilt

Posted on May 24, 2025

HOOVER, Ala. – No. 14/21 Tennessee had its SEC Tournament run come to a close on Saturday afternoon, falling to No. 9/9 Vanderbilt,10-0, at the Hoover Met.

The Commodores (41-16) wasted little time getting the bats going, scoring in each of the first three innings to build a 7-0 lead heading into the fourth before adding three more in the bottom of the sixth to cap the scoring.

On the other hand, the Volunteers (43-16) were only able to generate four hits against Vandy’s Cody Bowker and Connor Fennell. The duo combined for 11 strikeouts over seven scoreless innings for the Commodores.

Hunter Ensley, Dean Curley, Reese Chapman and Stone Lawless each had a hit for UT on the day.

Tegan Kuhns got the start and the loss after allowing four runs on five hits in just 1.1 innings. Tennessee’s relievers didn’t fare much better, allowing six runs (four earned) on eight hits. All 13 of Vanderbilt’s hits in the game were singles, led by a 3-for-3 performance from leadoff man Rustan Rigdon.

Another Successful SEC Tournament Run

Despite Saturday’s loss, the Vols continued their recent run of success in Hoover, advancing to the SEC Tournament semifinals for the fourth time in the past five seasons. UT is 13-5 overall at the SEC Tournament since 2021 with a pair of tournament titles in 2022 and 2024.

Up Next

Tennessee will await its draw for the 2025 NCAA tournament. The 16 regional hosts will be announced on Sunday night at 8:30 p.m. (ET) via the official NCAA social media channels, NCAA.com and the ESPN bottom line.

The full tournament bracket will be revealed on Monday at noon (ET) during the NCAA Selection Show on ESPN2.

#7 Lady Vols Fall 5-2 in Game One of Super Regionals
Courtesy / UT Athletics

#7 Lady Vols Fall 5-2 in Game One of Super Regionals

Posted on May 24, 2025

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – A three-run fourth inning proved decisive as Nebraska topped No. 7 Tennessee, 5–2, in Game 1 of the Knoxville Super Regional on Friday night at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium.
 
The Lady Vols (43–15) collected seven hits in the loss, with Gabby Leach leading the way with a single and a double.
 
Nebraska (43–13) got a strong two-way performance from Jordy Bahl, who pitched a complete game and also contributed offensively. Bahl allowed two runs on seven hits, struck out six and walked none. At the plate, she went 1-for-3 and scored twice.
 
The Cornhuskers struck early, taking a 1–0 lead in the top of the first on an RBI single that scored Bahl from first.
 
Tennessee answered in the second with a solo home run by Sophia Nugent, her 17th of the season and fifth in the last seven games, to tie the game at 1–1.
 
Nebraska reclaimed the lead in the third with an RBI double, then broke the game open in the fourth. Hannah Camenzind led off the inning with a solo shot, and two additional runs scored on two Tennessee errors to push the lead to 5–1.
 
The Lady Vols plated their second run in the fifth when Amanda Ahlin scored on a wild pitch, sliding in safely with two outs.
 
IN THE CIRCLE
Karlyn Pickens started and took the loss for Tennessee, falling to 22–9 on the season. She allowed five runs—three earned—on four hits over 3.2 innings, striking out seven and walking two.
 
Sage Mardjetko was effective in relief, tossing 3.1 scoreless innings. She held Nebraska hitless while walking two and striking out one.
 
DUE UP
Tennessee and Nebraska will play Game 2 of the best-of-three Super Regional on Saturday. First pitch is slated for 5 p.m. ET on ESPN.

Police Searching for Former West High School Football Coach Wanted for Sexual Battery

Police Searching for Former West High School Football Coach Wanted for Sexual Battery

Posted on May 23, 2025

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Police announcing Friday afternoon they are searching for a former West High School football coach who’s been accused of sex crimes.

Officials say Richard Scott Shaver, who goes by Scott Shaver, is wanted for four counts of sexual battery by an authority figure.

Police believe Shaver is on the run with his wife in the Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge area and that they might be driving a white Chrysler Pacifica with Tennessee tag 315-BDVN.

Anyone who sees them can call the East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers at 865-215-7165 or submit a tip online. Tipsters can remain anonymous and be eligible to receive a cash reward.

According to the TSSAA website, Shaver worked as an assistant coach alongside Chad Brooks; Brooks himself was recently accused of having inappropriate relationships with current and past students.

Woman Arrested in Connection to $14,000 Theft in Campbell County

Woman Arrested in Connection to $14,000 Theft in Campbell County

Posted on May 23, 2025

Campbell County, TN (WOKI) A woman is arrested after a crash investigation in Campbell County.

The Campbell County Sheriff’s Office was called to the scene of a car crash on U.S. 25W and found Autumn Alexander walked away from the crash and was carrying an envelope filled with $14,000.

Further investigation revealed the money had been reported stolen by an elderly man currently hospitalized in North Knoxville who says the cash was taken without permission from his home.

The money was recovered and logged into evidence and Alexander was charged with aggravated burglary and theft of property over $10,000.

Autumn Alexander was arrested after she was found with an envelope carrying $14,000 in cash, according to police. (Courtesy: Campbell County Sheriff’s Office)
Greene County Mayor: Ending Penny Production Will Cost Hundreds of Jobs

Greene County Mayor: Ending Penny Production Will Cost Hundreds of Jobs

Posted on May 23, 2025

Knoxville,TN The U.S. Mint has made its final order of penny blanks in the last phase of fading out the penny.

Artazn Zinc has a factory in Greene County and are the nation’s sole manufacturer of penny blanks.

“The importance of Artazn to our community cannot be overstated,” said Greene Co. Mayor Kevin Morrison. “This company provides high-quality manufacturing jobs and supports a skilled workforce, not just in Greene County but throughout the region.”

Morrison told our news partner, WVLT News, they support 250 local jobs which will be in jeopardy once production is completed.

Artazn Zinc is has a factory in Greene County. They are the nation’s sole manufacturer of penny blanks. (Courtesy: WVLT)
TWRA STOCKS 10,000 WALLEYE IN PIGEON RIVER FOLLOWING HURRICANE CONCERNS
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TWRA STOCKS 10,000 WALLEYE IN PIGEON RIVER FOLLOWING HURRICANE CONCERNS

Posted on May 23, 2025

NEWPORT, TN (TWRA / WOKI)— In response to potential impacts from recent flooding caused by Hurricane Helene and in partnership with Tennessee State Representative Jeremy Faison, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) stocked approximately 10,000 walleye at two locations along the Pigeon River on May 20, 2025, to support fish populations and bolster natural reproduction.

“The Pigeon River is healthier and more vibrant today than anyone alive can remember,” said Rep. Faison. “I’m deeply grateful for the continued dedication of the TWRA in supporting the decisions that keep the Pigeon sustainable and thriving. The sight of 10,000 walleye growing and repopulating our river is truly exciting—and a powerful sign of progress.”

TWRA Chief of Fisheries Jason Henegar also commented on the effort. “We understand concerns that recent flooding from Hurricane Helene may have impacted river ecosystems and fish habitats,” said Henegar. “Our most recent survey of the Pigeon River indicates minimal changes in fish populations. However, consistent with the agency’s ongoing fisheries management efforts, we are conducting walleye stocking to support and enhance natural reproduction.”

Henegar added that TWRA will continue monitoring affected river systems to better assess the long-term ecological impacts of the storm.

Each year, TWRA stocks over 10 million warm and cold-water fish into Tennessee’s lakes, rivers, and streams to enhance natural reproduction, sustain healthy fish populations, and provide quality angling opportunities for the public.

TWRA warm-water fish stocking information may be found here and cold-water fish stocking information may be found here.

A Cow Causes Multiple Accidents with Injuries on I-75 in Loudon County
WVLT

A Cow Causes Multiple Accidents with Injuries on I-75 in Loudon County

Posted on May 23, 2025

A cow falls off a trailer and runs into traffic yesterday (Thursday) afternoon on I-75 in Loudon County causing multi-vehicle crashes which injured several people and debris on the road which caused the interstate to be temporarily closed.

Loudon County deputies responded to the crashes on I-75 yesterday (Thursday) and say the back of a cattle truck was open resulting in a cow falling from the trailer. It was injured but began running into traffic in both directions near mile marker 72. “Unfortunately, before the cow could be secured, it caused a wreck with injuries on I-75 South at the 72-mile marker,” LCSO officials said. “Northbound traffic was temporarily shut down as a safety precaution while first responders worked to secure the scene and prevent additional accidents.”


The Tennessee Highway Patrol and the Tennessee Department of Agriculture responded after a multi-vehicle crash involving a semi-truck on I-75 North.

One driver was arrested for Driving Under the Influence and this wreck also resulted in debris, including nails, screws, building materials, and other items being scattered across the interstate, requiring a temporary shutdown of I-75 North.

A third wreck was reported in Philadelphia at the intersection of Highway 11 and Pond Creek Road which left multiple people were injured, including children.

LCSO officials say traffic was backed up for several miles in both directions of I-75 for the majority of the day due to these incidents, all lanes have reopened.

Crews in Loudon County Recover the Body of a Drowning Victim
Loudon Co Sheriff's Office

Crews in Loudon County Recover the Body of a Drowning Victim

Posted on May 23, 2025

Update: A drowning victim is found in Lenior City.

Multiple agencies including the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency were called to Fisherman’s Boat Ramp off Highway 444 last night and preliminary reports indicate that a jet ski accident occurred involving two juveniles and an adult, near the shoreline of the boat ramp area.

The two juveniles were wearing life jackets at the time of the incident. The adult, who was not wearing a life jacket, entered the water in an attempt to assist one of the juveniles.

His body has been recovered.

Original story: First responders are searching for a possible drowning victim in Lenior City.

Crews were called to Fisherman’s Boat Ramp off Highway 444 last night and preliminary reports indicate that a jet ski accident occurred involving two juveniles and an adult, near the shoreline of the boat ramp area.

The two juveniles were wearing life jackets at the time of the incident. The adult, who was not wearing a life jacket, entered the water in an attempt to assist one of the juveniles and has not been seen since.

Multiple agencies responded to the scene which has been turned over to the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency.

Doyle Among 16 Semifinalists for National Pitcher of the Year Award
Courtesy / UT Athletics

Doyle Among 16 Semifinalists for National Pitcher of the Year Award

Posted on May 22, 2025

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – Tennessee lefthander Liam Doyle continues to pile up the accolades as he was named one of 16 semifinalists for the National Pitcher of the Year Award, the College Baseball Foundation announced on Thursday.

Doyle, the nation’s leader in strikeouts, was named the SEC Pitcher of the Year on Monday and is also a semifinalist for the Golden Spikes Award and the Dick Howser Trophy.

The Derry, New Hampshire, native, has put together one of the most dominant seasons by a UT pitcher in program history to this point. His137 strikeouts ranks tied for third most in Tennessee single-season history. He needs just 18 more strikeouts to surpass Luke Hochevar’s record of 154 set in 2005.

Doyle’s 15.54 strikeouts per nine innings also lead the nation while his 0.92 WHIP is the best in the SEC and ranks 13th nationally. His nine victories are tied for 15th most in the NCAA and second in the SEC while his 5.45 hits allowed per nine innings rank seventh and second, respectively. Doyle has held opponents to a miniscule .171 batting average over 79.1 innings pitched, second lowest in the SEC.

The SEC led all conferences with five players on the list of semifinalists for this year’s National Pitcher of the Year award.

Finalists for the National Pitcher of the Year Award will be announced on June 4, with the 2025 winner to be announced at a date to be finalized later that month. 

For the full list more information on the Pitcher of the Year Award, visit the College Baseball Foundation website at www.collegebaseballhall.org.

Tennessee Governor Signs Bill Banning Glock Switches

Tennessee Governor Signs Bill Banning Glock Switches

Posted on May 22, 2025

Nashville, TN (WOKI) Governor Bill Lee officially made Tennessee the 27th state to ban Glock switches.

The Governor signed a bill Wednesday that ensures harsh penalties for anyone caught with a handgun displaying the device; that device allows users to convert semi-automatic firearms into illegal fully automatic machine guns.

The, now law, expands the definition of a machine gun in the state, elevating the charge from a Class E felony to a Class C felony.

These devices have been connected to several mass shootings. They are common in everyday street crime, which often poses a serious threat to responding officers.

The new law also expands penalties for felons found to be in possession of firearms in the state.

The device attaches to a handgun and allows it to discharge rapidly, similar to an automatic weapon. (Courtesy: WVLT)

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