(This story was updated to add new information.)
OKLAHOMA CITY — Sometime during the top of the second inning of Tennessee softball’s matchup with Texas Tech in the Women’s College World Series, the ABC broadcast cut out due to technical difficulties.
According to the broadcast, a power outage was responsible for the technical difficulties at Devon Park. Viewers on ABC instead got to watch “Squeeze Play” with whiparound coverage of NCAA Tournament baseball regional games.
The broadcast didn’t return until the last out to end the third inning.
After the game, Oklahoma Gas & Electric sent out a statement regarding the reports that a power outage led to the broadcast issues:
“Oklahoma Gas & Electric company has experienced no outages today affecting either the circuit or the meter serving Devon Park during the live Women’s College World Series broadcast. Any broadcast disruptions were not related to electric service as originally reported by some outlets and were solely technical broadcast issues.
“OG&E has provided uninterrupted service to the stadium throughout the national telecast. We are happy to power the Women’s College World Series for broadcasts to fans all over the world to see.”
The No. 7 seed Lady Vols (49-10) won 2-1 in nine innings against No. 11 seed Texas Tech (58-8) on May 30 to advance to the Women’s College World Series semifinals.
Viewers missed out on Karlyn Pickens sitting down the Red Raiders in order and then a fantastic diving catch by second baseman Emma Clarke in the third inning.
Tennessee also loaded the bases in the bottom of the third inning, but Clarke popped up to the first baseman, who then collided with Clarke on the baseline in order to make the catch to end the inning.
A win sent Tennessee to its third WCWS semifinals appearance in the past four seasons. A loss would have dropped it into an elimination game against No. 8 seed UCLA on May 31 (7 p.m., ABC).
The Lady Vols will also face their former third baseman Taylor Pannell, who transferred to Texas Tech after a breakout season for Tennessee in 2025.
Tennessee upset No. 2 seed Texas, the reigning national champions, with a 6-3 win to open the WCWS on May 28.
Cora Hall is the University of Tennessee women’s athletics reporter for Knox News. Email: cora.hall@knoxnews.com; X: @corahalll; Bluesky: @corahall.bsky.social. Support strong local journalism and unlock premium perks:knoxnews.com/subscribe