Alabama Softball Defeats USC Upstate in NCAA Tournament Opener
The top-seeded Alabama Crimson Tide softball team launched its 2026 NCAA Tournament campaign with a dominant 8-0 run-rule victory over USC Upstate in the Tuscaloosa Regional opener. Playing at Rhoads Stadium, Alabama secured its 50th win of the season, highlighted by home runs from Marlie Giles and Audrey Vandagriff, and a complete-game shutout by pitcher Kaitlyn Pallozzi. This decisive five-inning win advances the Crimson Tide to the winner’s bracket, where they are scheduled to face Belmont in the next round as they pursue a spot in the Women's College World Series.
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Alabama Softball Defeats USC Upstate to Advance to Super Regionals
The Alabama Crimson softball team secured a decisive 9-0 victory over USC Upstate, advancing to the NCAA Tournament Super Regionals. The game, played at Rhoads Stadium in Tuscaloosa, featured a dominant pitching performance by freshman Vic Moten, who allowed only one hit over six innings with five strikeouts and no walks. Kaitlyn Pallozzi closed the game with a perfect seventh inning. Offensively, Alabama was powered by multiple home runs. Sophomore Audrey Vandagriff opened the scoring with a two-run homer in the second inning. Jena Young contributed significantly with her sixth home run of the season and later added a second two-run shot, finishing with four RBIs. Brooke Wells also hit a home run, bringing her season total to 23, while Salen Hawkins added a single and a double. This win follows a previous loss by USC Upstate, cementing Alabama's dominance in the regional round. The Crimson Tide will now host LSU, who defeated Virginia Tech, in the upcoming Super Regionals. The specific schedule for the next series has not yet been finalized. The article highlights individual milestones, including Hawkins ending a hitless streak and Wells approaching historical season home run records for the program.
yahoo sportsUSC Upstate Softball's Historic Regional Run Ends with Loss to Alabama
USC Upstate's historic journey in the NCAA softball tournament concluded on May 17, 2026, with a decisive 9-0 defeat against the top-seeded Alabama Crimson Tide in the Tuscaloosa Regional final. Despite entering the tournament as underdogs, the Spartans achieved a significant milestone by reaching their first-ever regional championship game. Their path to the final included a resilient comeback, featuring a narrow 5-4 victory over Southeastern Louisiana and a dominant 10-1 win against Belmont. This performance marked the first time the team won two regional games in a single weekend and advanced deeper into May than any previous USC Upstate squad. Although Alabama controlled the championship match from the start, preventing any offensive rhythm for USC Upstate, head coach Chris Hawkins praised the team's achievement. He highlighted the significance of competing on a national stage against the country's number one seed, asserting that the team earned their place through hard work. The loss ended a breakthrough postseason for the Spartans, who had previously struggled in recent tournaments.
yahoo sportsAlabama Softball to Host LSU or Virginia Tech in NCAA Super Regional
Alabama softball, secured as the No. 1 overall seed in the 2026 NCAA Tournament, will host the upcoming super regional round at Rhoads Stadium in Tuscaloosa. The Crimson Tide earned this hosting right after sweeping the Tuscaloosa Regional, culminating in a 9-0 victory over USC Upstate on May 17. Their opponent will be determined by the outcome of the paired Baton Rouge Regional, which features the No. 16 overall seed LSU Tigers and Virginia Tech. LSU needs only one win against Virginia Tech to advance, whereas Virginia Tech must defeat LSU twice to claim the spot. Alabama and LSU did not face each other during the regular season or the SEC Tournament. The Tuscaloosa Super Regional is scheduled for May 22-24, with specific game times and television broadcasts yet to be announced. The winner of this best-of-three series will progress to the Women's College World Series in Oklahoma City, running from May 28 to June 5. This marks Alabama's 27th consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance and their 21st straight time hosting a regional, as they aim to reach the World Series for the first time in two years.
yahoo sportsAlabama Softball Faces SC Upstate in Tuscaloosa Regional Final
The Alabama Crimson Tide softball team is set to face USC Upstate in the championship game of the NCAA Tuscaloosa Regional on Sunday, May 17, 2026. Alabama enters the matchup needing only one victory to secure a spot in the NCAA Super Regionals, having advanced through the bracket with decisive shutout wins against USC Upstate (8-0) and Belmont (3-0). Conversely, USC Upstate fought through the elimination bracket, defeating Southeastern Louisiana and Belmont to earn this rematch. The Spartans must defeat Alabama twice to win the regional title. The game is scheduled for noon CT at Rhoads Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, with coverage available on the SEC Network and via streaming services like Fubo. This article provides live update capabilities, broadcast details, and a recap of the regional bracket results leading up to the final confrontation between the two teams.
yahoo sportsJocelyn Briski Leads Alabama Softball to Winner's Bracket in Tuscaloosa Regional
The Alabama Crimson Tide advanced to the winner's bracket of the NCAA Tuscaloosa Regional after defeating Belmont 3-0 on May 16, 2026. Pitcher Jocelyn Briski delivered a dominant performance, throwing a one-hit shutout over seven innings with seven strikeouts and only 72 pitches. The offense provided early support in the first inning when Marlie Giles hit a two-RBI single and Audrey Vandagriff added another run via a ground out. Belmont pitcher Maya Johnson struggled early, contributing to the deficit. Meanwhile, USC Upstate eliminated Southeastern Louisiana and Belmont in other regional games, setting up a crucial matchup against Alabama. If Alabama defeats USC Upstate in the next game, they will advance directly to the Super Regionals. A loss would force a second decisive game. The article also notes upcoming games in other regionals, such as LSU versus Virginia Tech, highlighting the broader context of the NCAA tournament proceedings.
yahoo sportsHow to Watch Alabama Softball vs. SC Upstate in Tuscaloosa Regional Final
The Alabama Crimson Tide softball team is set to face USC Upstate in the championship game of the Tuscaloosa Regional, with a berth in the NCAA Super Regionals at stake. The match is scheduled for Sunday, May 17, 2026, at noon Central Time at Rhoads Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. This contest serves as a rematch of their earlier tournament meeting, where Alabama secured an 8-0 run-rule victory in five innings. Alabama advanced to the final after recording back-to-back shutouts, including a 3-0 win over Belmont. Conversely, USC Upstate fought through the elimination bracket, defeating Southeastern Louisiana and Belmont to earn their spot in the title game. Under the double-elimination format, Alabama needs only one win to advance, while USC Upstate must defeat the Crimson Tide twice to claim the regional title. Fans can watch the game on the SEC Network or stream it via platforms like Fubo. Radio coverage will be available on Catfish 100.1 FM. A second game is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. CT if necessary.
yahoo sportsAlabama Softball Faces SC Upstate for Tuscaloosa Regional Championship
The Alabama Crimson Tide softball team is set to face USC Upstate in the championship game of the NCAA Tuscaloosa Regional on Sunday, May 17, 2026. The game will take place at noon CT at Rhoads Stadium, with a spot in the NCAA Super Regionals on the line. Alabama enters the final needing only one victory to advance, having reached the title game with consecutive shutout wins against USC Upstate (8-0) and Belmont (3-0). Conversely, USC Upstate advanced through the elimination bracket after an initial loss to Alabama, defeating Southeastern Louisiana and Belmont to earn their place in the final. If Alabama wins, they will host the winner of the LSU versus Virginia Tech matchup in a best-of-three Super Regional series next week. USC Upstate must defeat Alabama twice to claim the regional title. The article also provides a full schedule of the regional games played over the weekend, highlighting key performances by players such as Kaitlyn Pallozzi and Jocelyn Briski for Alabama.
yahoo sportsAlabama Softball Faces Belmont in Tuscaloosa Regional Live Updates
The No. 1 seeded Alabama Crimson Tide softball team is set to face Belmont in a crucial matchup during Day 2 of the NCAA Tuscaloosa Regional. Hosting the tournament at Rhoads Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, the Crimson Tide entered the game with a strong 50-7 record after defeating USC Upstate 8-0 in five innings on Friday. Their opponent, Belmont, holds a 41-11 record and features notable pitcher Maya Johnson. The game, scheduled for 1 p.m. CT on Saturday, May 16, 2026, is part of a doubleheader that also includes USC Upstate versus Southeastern Louisiana. Fans can follow live scores and highlights via ESPN+ for streaming or Catfish 100.1 FM for radio coverage. The winner of this contest will advance in the bracket, while the loser will face the winner of the subsequent game later in the day. This article provides essential logistical information, including broadcast details and the full regional schedule, serving as a live hub for followers of the tournament.
yahoo sportsAlabama Softball Faces Belmont in Tuscaloosa Regional Day 2 Matchup
The No. 1 seeded Alabama Crimson Tide softball team is set to face Belmont in a crucial Day 2 matchup of the NCAA Tuscaloosa Regional. Hosting the tournament at Rhoads Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, the Crimson Tide (50-7) previously secured an 8-0 run-rule victory over USC Upstate. They now confront Belmont (41-11), a team featuring notable pitcher Maya Johnson. The game is scheduled for 1 p.m. CT on Saturday, May 16, 2026, and will be streamed on ESPN+. This contest is part of a doubleheader, with the winner advancing toward the regional final. The article provides comprehensive logistical details, including broadcast information via Catfish 100.1 FM for radio listeners, and outlines the full tournament bracket. Subsequent games include USC Upstate versus Southeastern Louisiana, with winners and losers progressing to evening and Sunday matchups. The piece highlights the competitive nature of the regional, noting Belmont as a significant challenge for Alabama following their strong opening performance.
yahoo sportsHow to Watch and Stream Alabama Softball vs. Belmont in NCAA Tuscaloosa Regional
The No. 1 seeded Alabama Crimson Tide softball team is set to face Belmont in the second round of the NCAA Tuscaloosa Regional on Saturday, May 16, 2026. Following a decisive 8-0 run-rule victory over USC Upstate in their regional debut, Alabama hosts the matchup at Rhoads Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The game is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. Central Time. Fans can watch the contest via streaming on ESPN+, which offers a free trial option, or listen to live audio coverage on Catfish 100.1 FM. This game is part of a doubleheader day, with USC Upstate facing Southeastern Louisiana later in the afternoon. The winner of the Alabama-Belmont game will advance to play the winner of the subsequent matchup, while the loser will face the victor of the USC Upstate-Southeastern Louisiana game later that evening. The article provides a full bracket schedule for the weekend, outlining potential paths to the regional final on Sunday, May 17. This coverage serves as a practical guide for followers of the Crimson Tide, detailing essential viewing and listening options for the critical postseason contest.
yahoo sportsAlabama Softball Dominates USC Upstate in NCAA Tournament Opener
The top-seeded Alabama Crimson softball team launched its NCAA Tournament campaign with a commanding 8-0 run-rule victory over USC Upstate at Rhoads Stadium. The win, achieved in just five innings, marked the team's 50th of the season, a milestone not reached since 2021. Alabama's offense erupted in the second inning with six runs, highlighted by home runs from Marlie Giles and Audrey Vandagriff, along with key hits from Brooke Wells and Alexis Pupillo. On the mound, freshman pitcher Kaitlyn Pallozzi delivered a stellar performance in her first career regional appearance, tossing a complete-game shutout and earning praise from head coach Patrick Murphy for her composure under pressure. This victory advances Alabama to the winner’s bracket, where they will face the victor of the Belmont versus Southeastern match. The game also saw the program tie for the fifth-most shutouts in its history and reach 91 home runs for the season, signaling a strong contender status as they aim for the Women's College World Series in Oklahoma City.
yahoo sportsAlabama Softball Defeats USC Upstate in Tuscaloosa Regional Opener
The Alabama Crimson softball team secured a decisive victory against USC Upstate in the opening game of the NCAA Tournament's Tuscaloosa Regional on May 15, 2026. Leveraging the run rule, Alabama defeated USC Upstate with a score of 8-0 in just five innings. The game was highlighted by a strong offensive performance from the Tide, particularly in the second inning where they broke the game open with multiple runs. Key contributors included Marlie Giles, who hit a home run, and Audrey Vandagriff, who delivered a solid single, stole bases, and later hit a home run in the third inning. Pitcher Kaitlyn Pallozzi earned the win, improving her record to 9-0, despite allowing some base runners after the first inning. This victory marks Alabama's 50th win of the season, a milestone not reached since 2021. The team displayed aggressive batting strategies, avoiding walks entirely. Alabama will advance to play the winner of the matchup between Southeastern Louisiana and Belmont in their next regional game.
yahoo sportsAlabama Softball Opens 2026 Tuscaloosa Regional Against USC Upstate
Alabama softball, designated as the NCAA Tournament's No. 1 overall seed, begins its campaign for the Women's College World Series in the 2026 Tuscaloosa Regional. The Crimson Tide faces USC Upstate in the opening game on Friday, May 15, 2026, at Rhoads Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The match is scheduled to start at 12 p.m. CT and will be broadcast live on the SEC Network. Historically, Alabama holds a 2-0 record against USC Upstate, with previous postseason victories in 2014 and 2024. USC Upstate enters the tournament with a 36-21 overall record, led by standout hitter Taliyah Thomas, who boasts an OPS of 1.089. However, Alabama possesses a significant advantage in pitching, anchored by SEC Pitcher of the Year Jocelyn Briski. Analysts predict a decisive victory for Alabama, forecasting an 8-2 scoreline. The regional bracket also includes Southeastern Louisiana and Belmont, with subsequent games scheduled throughout the weekend leading to the championship round on Sunday.
yahoo sportsAlabama Softball Hosts USC Upstate in Tuscaloosa Regional Opener
The Alabama Crimson Tide softball team, ranked as the No. 1 overall seed in the 2026 NCAA Tournament with a 49-7 record, begins their postseason campaign by hosting the Tuscaloosa Regional at Rhoads Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Their opening match is scheduled against USC Upstate (36-21) on Friday, May 15, at noon Central Time. The regional tournament also features Belmont (40-11) and Southeastern Louisiana (46-14), who will face each other in the second game of the day at 2:30 p.m. CT. Fans can watch the Alabama versus USC Upstate matchup on the SEC Network or via streaming services like Fubo, while radio coverage is available on Catfish 100.1 FM. The article outlines the full double-elimination bracket schedule for the weekend, detailing games through Sunday, May 17. This event marks a significant moment for the Crimson Tide as they aim to advance through the regional round, leveraging their home-field advantage against three visiting teams in the quest for the national championship.
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