Texas Tech and Tennessee softball handshake controversy unfolds after WCWS game
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: May 31, 2026, 8:14 PM
Last updated May 31, 2026
Texas Tech's softball team faced Tennessee on May 30, 2026, in the Women's College World Series, resulting in a 2-1 walk-off win for the Lady Vols. Postgame discussions revealed a contentious handshake line exchange between Texas Tech's Taylor Pannell and Tennessee’s coach Karen Weekly. Pannell alleged that Weekly told her she ‘made a mistake’ by transferring to Texas Tech, a claim Weekly denied as an ‘outright lie.’ Video breakdowns by ESPN highlighted the incident, prompting further scrutiny as teammates and coaches discussed what transpired during the exchange.
- •Texas Tech lost 2-1 to Tennessee in the Women's College World Series.
- •Taylor Pannell claimed Karen Weekly critiqued her transfer decision.
- •Weekly denied Pannell's accusation, calling it a lie.
- •ESPN broadcasted analysis of the handshake line exchange.
- •The incident was discussed during the Nebraska-Texas elimination game.
- 8:14 PMYahoo Sports — Video shows more of Texas Tech softball, Tennessee handshake line exchange
"ESPN released video of the handshake line between Texas Tech softball and Tennessee after their Women's College World Series game.
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