Alabama Crimson Tide Goes Out with a Whimper at the NCAA Super Regional Softball

It seemed fitting that the Crimson Tide’s season ended at the hands of Oklahoma. The Sooners are the embodiment of what a college softball team should be in 2025. The real question is whether any of it will seep into Bama coach Patrick Murphy’s consciousness.

GAME 1: OKLAHOMA 3, ALABAMA 0

Sam Landry was just about what we expected her to be. She brilliantly pitched a complete game, allowing zero runs on just four hits with two walks and a hit-by-pitch, while recording five strikeouts.

By the same measure, Jocelyn Briski did about what she has done most of the season. She has pitched games like this one and won thanks to run support. But it was not meant to be on Friday. The sophomore hurler was fine for two innings, In the 3rd, it was the same old story. She walked the leadoff batter and the next Sooner hit a bomb over the center field wall. Okie went down in order in the 4th, but the first batter of the 5th doubled. After a couple of outs, a single made it 3-0. Briski was removed after the inning for Alea Johnson who got three easy outs in the 6th.

Meanwhile, the Tide offense could not take advantage of scoring opportunities. Bama had runners on base in each of the first six innings and could not capitalize. They had runners in scoring position in the 2nd, 3rd, 5th, and 6th.

Hawkins got charged with a tough luck error on an in-between pop-up that had a little miscommunication with the outfield on who would make the catch*. Beyond that play, the defense was good. It was the offense took a little siesta after that big inning. If this team could learn how to keep the pressure on, they could be dangerous.

NOTES

• Alexis Pupillo was back in the starting lineup and had a double.
• Kali Heivilin had a double and a walk.

GAME 2: OKLAHOMA 13, ALABAMA 2

Catelyn Riley got the start and was hammered for 5 runs in 2.1 innings. In the third, the Sooners were teeing off on Riley, which caused Jocelyn Briski to relieved her. She could not even record an out and was tabbed with four earned runs allowed. Riley re-entered the fray and gave up a single and a double. Alea Johnson came in and got the last two outs. When the dust settled, it was 9-0 when the top of the 3rd finally ended.

Kali Heivilin homered in the bottom of the frame.

In the 5th, Johnson gave up a pair of homers and was lifted in favor of Emily Winstead. She joined the dinger party by throwing a gopher ball to the first batter she faced.

Alabama did manage to scratch out two runs on homers by Giles and Heivelin.

NOTES:

• I suppose Murphy was throwing up a white flag in the 4th when he sent senior Kendel Clark in to pinch hit for Abby Duchscherer. She struck out swinging. What a way to end your college career. Thanks, Murph.
• On the other side of the coin, Heivilin had a great day at the plate, going 2 for 2 with a walk.

SERIES NOTES

• All season, this team has looked like they were loose and having fun. I could be wrong, but pre-game they looked a little tight. Did anyone else notice that?

MVP

HEIVILIN – 3 for 4, 1 DBL, 1 HR, 1 RUN, 1 RBI, 2 BB

SCHEDULE

Back to Tuscaloosa.

#RollTide #Team29