Tennessee softball is gearing up for what promises to be an electrifying postseason run, and head coach Karen Weekly has a clear message for her team: it's time to hit the reset button.

"We need to flush the season and start fresh," Weekly said, emphasizing the importance of mental clarity as the Lady Vols prepare to host their 21st consecutive NCAA regional. "What we've done so far is great, but postseason is a whole new ballgame."

The No. 7 overall seed Lady Vols (42-10) will welcome a packed house to Sherri Parker Lee Stadium when they open regional play against Northern Kentucky (26-23) on May 15 at 5:30 p.m. ET on SEC Network. The atmosphere is expected to be electric, and Weekly knows her squad will need every bit of that home-field advantage.

Just a couple of years ago, Weekly thought the energy at the stadium couldn't get any louder. But this season has already surpassed those memories, even before the first pitch of the postseason. "The fans have been incredible," she said. "It feels like the whole city is behind us."

Being a top-eight seed is a huge advantage for Tennessee. If they advance past the regional round, they'll lock in another weekend at home for the super regionals—a luxury that can make all the difference in a high-stakes elimination format.

For a team that's been battle-tested in the SEC, the key now is channeling that experience into a focused, fresh start. "We've had ups and downs, but that's behind us," Weekly added. "It's about execution, confidence, and playing our game when it matters most."

With a roster packed with talent and a stadium ready to roar, the Lady Vols are poised to make some noise. And if Weekly's "flush the season" mentality sticks, this could be a postseason to remember.