Sage Mardjetko didn’t know what it felt like to be fully healthy on the softball field since early in her high school career. The University of Tennessee junior right-hander had been pitching through a torn labrum in her left hip for years before finally having surgery last summer.
Mardjetko has returned to the circle this season with a clean bill of health and a renewed spirit. She’s been a critical piece of a UT pitching staff that leads the nation in ERA (1.33) and opponents batting average (.143).
Mardjetko is 12-2 with an SEC-leading 0.96 ERA, 150 strikeouts and 36 walks in 109.1 innings pitched.
“Something I’ve come back to a lot this season is just being grateful for every moment I get to be on that field with these girls, especially having not played all fall,” Mardjetko says. “When you get something that you love taken away, it makes you so much more grateful for all the opportunities you have to do it.”
Mardjetko and the Lady Vols have arrived at the most important point of the season. Tennessee (42-10) received the No. 7 national seed in the NCAA Championships. As a top eight seed, the Lady Vols have the potential to host games at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium until the Women’s College World Series. The Lady Vols are trying to reach Oklahoma City for the second straight season and third time in the last four years.
UT is hosting a regional for the 21st consecutive year. The Lady Vols are set to welcome Virginia, Indiana, and Northern Kentucky for the Knoxville Regional this weekend. The four-team event is double elimination and takes place Friday-Sunday, with the winner advancing to the Super Regional round.
Tennessee will open play against Horizon League champion Northern Kentucky on Friday at 5:30 p.m. ET (SEC Network). Virginia will play Indiana on Friday at 8 p.m.
“It means everything to be able to play regionals here, and then the possibility to play Supers here in front of this home crowd. It definitely gives us the advantage,” Mardjetko says. “It’s so awesome to do that, especially for our seniors to get one last go on this field.”
Five-pitch player
Mardjetko transferred to UT from South Carolina before her sophomore season. Although she made an impact for the Lady Vols in 2025, she wasn’t able to showcase her full potential because of the nagging injury. Now that she’s able to play without hindrance, Mardjetko has displayed the components of a bona fide ace.
“She has about five pitches that are all elite, and that’s pretty rare,” UT head coach Karen Weekly says. “But I think the biggest thing that’s changed for Sage is just the mindset in how she approaches things. Her ability to bounce back from any rough innings is where Sage has really grown. She has earned everything she’s received in terms of recognition because of her consistency this year, and she just consistently shows up and competes for her team. She’s one of the toughest competitors I’ve ever been around.”
Mardjetko, All-American senior Karlyn Pickens, and sophomore Erin Nuwer form the heart of the UT staff. When Pickens missed a few games earlier this season with an arm strain, the team was able to keep winning because of Mardjetko and Nuwer holding down opponents.
Pickens, who was the No. 1 overall pick in the recent Athletes Unlimited Softball College Draft, is 13-7 with a 1.52 ERA, 157 strikeouts, 52 walks and a career-high five saves in 115.1 innings. Nuwer is 14-1 with a 1.09 ERA, 81 strikeouts and 24 walks in 83.2 innings.
“We truly love each other and support each other no matter what. There’s no drama, no jealousy, nothing.” Mardjetko says. “We want each other’s success as much as our own and know we can trust each other in any situation.”
Dealing in the classroom
Last week, Mardjetko was selected first-team All-SEC and was named the SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year this season. Mardjetko is pursuing an undergraduate degree in biological sciences, biochemistry and cellular and molecular biology. She has a 3.81 GPA.
Nobody was more excited to see Mardjetko rewarded for her success than her teammates.
“I love playing behind her,” UT junior outfielder Gabby Leach says. “She’s such a good pitcher. When I’m out there, I know she’s going to deal and she’s going to do her job. Just being able to have her back and then come in on offense and being able to get those runs for her is great because I know she’s working hard.”