How Alabama outlasted LSU after long delays to reach Women’s College World Series
Here's how Alabama softball defeated LSU in super regionals, securing a spot in the Women's College World Series for the 16th time in program history.
Olivia Bennett 
Nothing could stop the inevitable for Alabama softball this weekend. Not lightning, not rain, and certainly not a grueling series of delays that kept players and fans waiting for hours. The Crimson Tide proved once again why they are a championship-caliber program, punching their ticket to the Women’s College World Series for the 16th time in program history.
A Dominant Run to Oklahoma City
No. 1 overall seed Alabama secured its spot in Oklahoma City after a gritty 4-1 victory over No. 16 seed LSU at Rhoads Stadium. The win marks the Crimson Tide's third trip to the WCWS in the last four years. This performance followed Alabama’s 7-0 shutout victory against LSU on Friday in the opening game of the NCAA Tuscaloosa Super Regional, bringing their season record to 54-7.
"This team has just been unbelievably selfless," Alabama coach Patrick Murphy said. "They’ve been full of gratitude. They’ve been competitive. They’ve been hard working. Gritty. All the words you love as a head coach. That’s been this team."
Weathering the Storm and the Tigers
Saturday’s contest was a battle of endurance that began at 2 p.m. CT. LSU nearly struck first in the second inning, loading the bases with two outs. However, Kristen White saved the day, tracking down a high-flying ball from Jalia Lassiter to end the threat and keep the game scoreless.
Alabama broke the deadlock in the third inning when White reached base on a walk, eventually scoring after a series of three wild pitches. LSU answered back in the bottom of the frame, with Tori Edwards driving in Alix Franklin to tie the game at 1-1. The Tide quickly regained momentum in the fourth as Alexis Pupillo blasted a solo home run to center field, followed by an RBI single from Salen Hawkins that pushed the lead to 4-1.
Pitching Prowess Seals the Deal
Freshman Vic Moten anchored the early effort, striking out seven batters over four innings while allowing just five hits and one run. "This was the biggest game she’s pitched in in her life," Murphy noted. "Couldn’t tell. She was cool. She was very competitive."
The game faced significant disruptions, including a nearly two-hour lightning delay starting at 3:20 p.m., followed by another pause at 5:13 p.m. When play finally resumed for good at 7:35 p.m., SEC Pitcher of the Year Jocelyn Briski took the circle. She masterfully closed out the final three innings, surrendering only two hits to seal the win.
Reflecting on the marathon day, Murphy praised the atmosphere at Rhoads Stadium: "The fans were incredible. To come back, three times basically, it felt like a full crowd the last pitch. Just unbelievable."
