Why Laura Mealer's defensive performance – and 360 putout – were key in Tennessee softball NCAA win

Laura Mealer refused to let the ground ball beat her up the middle infield.

The Tennessee softball infielder scooped the ball up as she ran towards second, her momentum taking her past the base. But Mealer stayed on her feet and did a 360 to throw a bullet to Giulia Koutsoyanopulos at first base for the first out of the fourth inning Friday.

"Phenomenal, phenomenal," Tennessee coach Karen Weekly said of the play. "I think we're sort of getting used to it, but we shouldn't, because it's just really awesome."

Then Mealer timed it perfectly to field a hit on the short hop with ease, making the throw to first in stride to end the fourth inning against Dayton (33-20). No. 3 seed Tennessee (41-10) beat the Flyers 3-0 at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium to open the NCAA regional with a win and move into the winner's bracket. They'll face Virginia at 1 p.m. Saturday in the double-elimination tournament.

Sophomore pitcher Karlyn Pickens (20-6) tossed a gem, striking out 12 in her 11th shutout win of the season. But Tennessee's defense played a significant role in the team's 20th shutout of the year, and Mealer has impressed all season.

"I think really my job out there is, whenever Karlyn gets us a play that we can make, is to make the play," Mealer said. "All we talk about is going and getting the ball and getting it on the short hop. So as soon as it was off the bat, that was my first thought."

Part of it's her athleticism, but Weekly said Mealer has refined her skills defensively since she arrived in the fall. The junior transferred to the Lady Vols from Middle Tennessee State. She has taken on a number of roles for Tennessee this season, playing at second, third and then shortstop after Bella Faw got injured during SEC play.

Weekly said they wouldn't be where they are now – back-to-back SEC champions – without Mealer's defensive performances at shortstop.

"I'm just super proud of her because she's a really, really good learner," Weekly said. "Sometimes, especially if you transfer, it can be sort of this sense of, 'Hey, why are we changing some things I do?' and a little resistance. And there was no resistance whatsoever, and I think Laura has just really bought into the finer points of defensive play."

NCAA Tournament Knoxville regional

Saturday 

Game 3: Tennessee vs. Virginia, 1 p.m.

Game 4: Miami (Ohio) vs. Dayton, 3:30 p.m.

Game 5: Tennessee-Virginia loser vs. Miami-Dayton winner,  6 p.m.

Sunday

Game 6: Tennessee-Virginia winner vs. G5 winner, TBD

Game 7: G6 winner vs. G6 loser (if necessary), TBD

Cora Hall covers University of Tennessee women’s athletics. Email her at cora.hall@knoxnews.com and follow her on Twitter @corahalll. If you enjoy Cora’s coverage, consider a digital subscription that allows you to access all of it.