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Alabama softball rolls to opening win in Tuscaloosa Regional

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama softball coach Patrick Murphy says the best way to respect an opponent is “to play your very best against them.”

The Crimson Tide waited until two outs in the bottom of the third inning before dishing out all the respect it would need to down Jackson State Friday night. Alabama opened the Tuscaloosa Regional with an 8-0 win over Jackson State in five innings. The Tide used a four-run rally in the bottom of the third inning to pull away after a sleepy start to the game.

Alabama will now play Virginia Tech on Saturday at 11 a.m. in the winner’s bracket of the regional. Virginia Tech beat Belmont, 5-0, earlier Friday. Belmont and Jackson State will play later Saturday in an elimination game.

Alabama’s four-run rally in the third inning began as Larissa Preuitt led off the bottom of the inning with a three-base error. For a while, it looked like the Tide would strand her at third base. Alabama’s leading hitter, Audrey Vandagriff, struck out before Lauren Johnson failed to bring in the run on a sharp groundout to short. Kali Heivilin finally broke the scoreless deadlock, as she legged out a two-out infield single to score Preuitt.

From there, Alabama’s bats exploded.

Following a walk from Marlie Giles, Salen Hawkins broke the game open with a two-run double to left. From there, Brooke Ellestad increased the lead to 4-0 by poking a single past first base to score Hawkins.

That was more than enough support for Emily Winstead in the circle. The University of North Carolina-Wilmington transfer earned the win, shutting out Jackson State over four innings while allowing one hit and striking out four batters. Alea Johnson helped close the door for the Tide, striking out two batters over a perfect inning.

Alabama was able to record the win without using its two ace pitchers, Jocelyn Briski and Catelyn Riley. Those two will both be available for Saturday's game against Virginia Tech.

Alabama played Virginia Tech twice earlier this season, suffering a 2-1 defeat before recording a 9-1 victory during the Easton Bama Bash in February.

Alabama earned the No. 15 national seed in this year’s NCAA Tournament. If Alabama advances out of the Tuscaloosa Regional, it will face the winner of the Norman Regional, which includes No. 2 national seed Oklahoma as well as California, Omaha and Boston University. The Crimson Tide is looking to reach its 16th straight appearance in the Women’s College World Series after making it to Oklahoma City the past two seasons.