Karlyn Pickens earns first professional win in AUSL debut

Carolina (2-0) defeated Portland (0-2), 11-2, Wednesday in five innings at Smith Family Stadium in Durham, North Carolina.

The game featured three former Tennessee softball players.

Former Lady Vol Karlyn Pickens made her debut for the Blaze and her first professional win against the Cascade. She started and pitched a complete game. She pitched five innings and allowed two runs, five hits and one walk. Pickens recorded five strikeouts, while totaling 81 pitches, including 53 strikes.

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Pickens was the No. 1 overall selection in the 2026 AUSL college draft on May 4. She was a three-time All-America standout and a two-time SEC Pitcher of the year in 2024-25.

Aubrey Leach started at second base and moved to center field for the Blaze. She went 0-for-3 but recorded one walk and scored one run, hitting in the leadoff spot for the Blaze. She played for Tennessee from 2016-19 and was an All-America infielder, Leach joined the Lady Vols' coaching staff as a graduate assistant in 2021 and was promoted to director of player development in 2024.

Payton Gotshall made her second appearance of the season for the Cascade. She pitched one inning of relief allowing three unearned runs, four hits and three walks. Gotshall recorded no strikeouts, while totaling 41 pitches, including 23 strikes.

Gottshall played for the Lady Vols from 2023-24 after transferring from Bowling Green. She was an All-American, All-SEC and All-MAC player during her collegiate career.

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This article originally appeared on Vols Wire: Karlyn Pickens earns victory in first AUSL start