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Alabama softball advances to the Women’s College World Series, beats Michigan 4-3

Courtesy UA Athletics

Alabama overcame a couple of early mistakes, battling back like it always has to secure an appearance in the Women’s College World Series for the fourth time in five years. The Tide beat the Michigan Wolverines 4-3 in front of 2,557 fans at Rhoads Stadium to complete the three-game series sweep in the Super Regionals.

“I am so proud of my team,” Alabama head coach Patrick Murphy said. “The six seniors have been incredible for their four years. I couldn’t ask for anybody better on my team and to represent the University of Alabama.”

It took a resilient effort from the Crimson Tide to come through. In the first inning, SEC Pitcher of the Year Jackie Traina gave up a solo home run to put Michigan on the board first. Then, the defense behind Traina made some critical errors.

Alabama advances to SEC Tournament semi-finals with 5-2 win over Mississippi State

Courtesy UA Athletics

The Alabama softball team continued its winning streak against Mississippi State Thursday in the Southeastern Conference tournament.

The Tide beat the Bulldogs 5-2 and advanced to the next day, where it will face the Georgia Bulldogs in the semi-finals. Sophomore pitcher Jackie Traina pitched all seven innings in Thursday’s game to improve to 32-2 on the year. She gave up two runs on five hits and struck out eight batters.

“We’re starting to peak at the right time,” left fielder Kayla Braud said. “We have been working really hard and are starting to gel.”

Alabama started scoring early in the game, plating three runs in the third inning. The Tide started off with Kayla Braud reaching second base on an error, followed by Jennifer Fenton with a bunt, which advanced Braud to third. Amanda Locke hit an RBI to the pitcher, scoring Braud and advancing Fenton to third base. Kaila Hunt lined a single up the middle scoring Fenton and Locke making the score 3-0 Tide.