How Alabama softball took down LSU to begin Super Regional

When asked about the storied rivalry between Alabama and LSU softball, Crimson Tide head coach Patrick Murphy couldn't help but chuckle. The history between these programs runs deep, a tension only heightened by Murphy’s brief, three-day flirtation with the LSU head coaching job in 2011 before he ultimately returned to lead the Tide. Friday’s Super Regional opener served as the latest chapter in that long-standing competitive saga.

Dominant Start in Tuscaloosa

Alabama took control early and never looked back, securing a commanding 7-0 victory to put themselves just one win away from a berth in the Women's College World Series in Oklahoma City. The Tide showcased a lethal offensive attack coupled with a masterful performance from pitcher Jocelyn Briski, who held the Tigers scoreless in a one-hit shutout.

"The girls went and scored in the first inning right away," Briski said. "So it just, again, took off a lot of pressure through the rest of the game for me."

Offensive Firepower

The Tide set the tone immediately in the first frame. After Jena Young reached on a single, Alexis Pupillo smashed a double that had Murphy impressed. "The double over the center fielder’s head was just a rope," Murphy noted. "I say it all the time in practice, ‘put a hole in the wall.’ And that’s as close as it’s come in 30 years."

A passed ball initially plated a run for Alabama, and shortly after, an Audrey Vandagriff single brought Ana Roman home to extend the lead. Pupillo struck again in the third, launching a solo home run down the right-field line to make it 3-0.

The floodgates opened in the fourth inning when Young cleared the bases with a shot to left-center, driving in three runs to balloon the lead to 6-0. A final run was manufactured in the fifth through a wild pitch and a throwing error, cementing the lopsided victory.

Looking Ahead

LSU head coach Beth Torina acknowledged the lopsided nature of the contest. "(Alabama) played really well, executed all their plans, things they were trying to execute, and we did not," Torina said. "Didn’t think we executed. We let the moment get big for us."

With this win, Alabama continues its impressive streak in the NCAA tournament, having yet to surrender a single run. The Crimson Tide now have two opportunities to finalize their trip to Oklahoma City, with the next game scheduled for Saturday at 2 p.m. CT at Rhoads Stadium.

"We just need to continue to play our game," Pupillo said. "Understand that our best is enough and not try to make the moment too big, and kind of carry our confidence from today over into tomorrow."