Alabama softball scores thrilling comeback win over UCLA to open WCWS

Alabama softball opened its Women’s College World Series campaign by proving it can thrive under pressure. Facing a UCLA squad boasting the nation’s top offense—a team that entered the matchup as the first in Division I history to surpass 200 home runs and 650 runs in a single season—the Crimson Tide navigated early-game adversity to secure a gritty win.

Briski Shuts Down the Bruins

Jocelyn Briski was the story in the circle for Alabama. Despite a brief surge from the UCLA bats in the third inning, Briski maintained composure throughout the afternoon, racking up nine strikeouts and holding the potent Bruins lineup to just six hits. Her performance served as the bedrock for the Tide’s comeback victory.

Early Action and the Turning Point

Alabama grabbed the momentum early. After Briski retired the Bruins in order in the first, Jena Young and Brooke Wells ignited the offense with back-to-back singles. Marlie Giles eventually capitalized on the opportunity, driving in the game's first run with a clutch single to left field.

However, the Tide faced their first true test of the NCAA tournament in the third. UCLA’s Rylee Slimp sparked a rally with a deep shot to left-center, followed by Megan Grant’s 41st home run of the season—a solo blast that handed Alabama a 3-1 deficit. Entering the contest, the Crimson Tide had surrendered only one run throughout the entire tournament, marking this as their first genuine challenge of the postseason.

A Late-Innings Surge

The Tide’s offense roared back to life in the fifth. After Young drew a walk, Alexis Pupillo delivered a massive swing, sending a 1-0 pitch to right field to knot the game at 3-3. The momentum stayed with Alabama into the sixth, where Kristen White and Young set the table for Brooke Wells. With a 1-1 count, Wells hammered a go-ahead home run to center field, clearing the wall to build a 6-3 lead that would hold for the remainder of the game.

With the win, Alabama moves forward in the bracket, while UCLA now faces an uphill climb to avoid elimination. The Crimson Tide are scheduled to take the field again this Saturday.