It has often been said that true character is revealed in defeat not victory. The second-seeded Jackets came into the Knoxville Regional alongside Campbell, Alabama State, and number one overall seeded Tennessee. The Jackets dropped their opening game against Campbell by a score of 15–8 but demonstrated great resiliency as they bounced back in dominant fashion.
In their opening matchup against Campbell, senior John Medich started at pitcher. Tech found themselves in an early deficit after they gave up five runs in the second inning, leading to an early 5–0 hole. Sophomore catcher Kevin Parada’s score made it a 5–1 game, but every time the Jackets had a chance to creep back in, Campbell would score.