Alabama softball shucks Nebraska to advance in WCWS

The Crimson Tide proved too much for Big Red on Saturday. Alabama softball remained in control throughout their Women’s College World Series matchup against Nebraska, securing a 5-1 victory in the second round of the winner’s bracket in Oklahoma City.

With this win, Alabama (56-7) moves into the semifinal round for the first time since 2021. The team is now just one victory away from the finals, with a game scheduled for 6 p.m. CT on Monday, June 1, against the winner of the elimination game between No. 3 seed Texas Tech and No. 2 seed UCLA. The win also keeps Alabama perfect all-time against the Cornhuskers at 4-0.

Giles and Briski Power the Tide

Alabama jumped out to an early 3-0 lead in the first inning when Marlie Giles launched a three-run home run to center field, scoring Brooke Wells and Jena Young. The momentum continued in the third when Giles drove in her fourth RBI of the night with a fly out that allowed Kinley Pate to tag up and score, extending the Alabama lead to 4-0.

Alabama coach Patrick Murphy praised the performance, noting, "Ms. (Jocelyn) Briski was incredible again... We didn't give them any momentum. Marlie (Giles) had a huge hit. If you're familiar with Alabama, our slogan is 'where legends are made,' and she solidified that tonight."

A Pitching Masterclass

The contest served as a showcase for SEC pitcher of the year Jocelyn Briski, who outdueled Nebraska's Big Ten pitcher of the year, Jordy Frahm. Briski went the distance, throwing seven innings while allowing just one hit, one earned run, and zero walks with six strikeouts. "Just really wanted to be efficient, throw first pitch strikes, get ahead of batters, use my drop ball a little bit more today," Briski said of her dominant outing.

Nebraska's only sign of life came in the fourth inning when Hannah Camenzind hit a solo home run. However, Alabama answered back in the bottom of that same inning. After a Nebraska throwing error allowed Kristen White to reach base, Jena Young delivered an RBI single to left center, bringing the score to its final 5-1 margin.

While Nebraska coach Rhonda Revelle acknowledged that reliever Alexis Jensen pitched well after entering the game in the third, she stood by the decision to start the veteran Frahm. "You have a two-time national champion on her résumé, MVP of the College World Series, two-time Player of the Year... I just think in this moment, on this stage, I would make that call again," Revelle said.