Starting on Friday, Alabama will host SEC rival LSU in a best of three series with the winner moving on to the 2026 Women’s College World Series in OKC. The No. 16 seeded Tigers stand at 40 – 17 after dispatching of Akron and Virginia Tech (twice) with very few problems in the Baton Rouge, LA Regional. Although these two SEC teams are rivals, they did not face off against each other this season.
Below are five keys to the Crimson Tide advancing to the next round of the NCAA Tournament.
- STAY AGGRESSIVE AT THE PLATE – The Tide has found success these last few weeks by swinging early in the count. They have resulted in big innings and left frustrated pitchers in their wakes. Audrey Vandagriff, especially, has seen a surge by swinging freely with three home runs and six RBI in her last six games.
- TIDE PITCHERS KEEP ON KEEPING ON – All four of Bama’s pitchers were excellent in the Regional (Jocelyn Briski, Vic Moten, Kaitlyn Pallozzi, and Alea Johnson). Whatever they are doing, keep doing it. It is important for all of them to stay fresh and stay healthy.
- SCOUTING – The Regional foes were one thing. LSU is on a whole different level from those teams. These Bayou Bengals are a good team with pitching and hitting capable of upsetting the Crimson Tide. The hope from Bama fans is that Patrick Murphy and his staff are in the Univeristy of Alabama A/V room watching every inning of video on the Tigers they can get their hands on. With one team to focus all of their energies on this week, there are no excuses to not be prepared for the coming series.
- DUGOUT ENERGY – Without a doubt, the Crimson Tide faithful will have Rhoads Stadium rocking. All 21 players in crimson and white need to be feeding off that vibe and make it impossible for LSU.
- STAY HUNGRY – There is no place for complacency in the post season. Whatever inspirational message Murphy wants to impart on his team, it better be one of focus and determination.
ALABAMA PLAYERS TO WATCH
- Jocelyn Briski is must see TV. With a 1.38 ERA and a 22 – 3 record, she has a great shot at National Pitcher of the Year. Without a doubt, she is the most improved player. She has had a few rough outings this spring but for the most part, she has been outstanding in the circle.
- Vic Moten’s performance will be just as vital. As fans saw in the Regionals, college softball teams with one good pitcher is not enough. The Alabama freshman has been way better than advertised She has racked up a 20 – 4 record and a 1.66 ERA and is just as important as Briski is to the success of this team.
- Brooke Wells and Alexis Pupillo are one of the most potent 1 – 2 punches in the nation in the batter’s box in 2026. They have combined for 40 homers, 123 RBI, and 91 runs scored. The duo are dynamic hitters and great team leaders.
- After Patrick Murphy shuffled the line up several times this season, it appears he has finally found a proper lead off hitter in Jena Young. It is a tough role to play but the freshman has come up with some big plays at the plate in key moments.
- As mentioned above, Audrey Vandagriff is back to looking like the frehman who was named All American in 2025. It will be vital to the Tide that she keeps up this tear she is on to propel the bottom end of the batting order into starting and extending rallies. The top of the order cannot do all the heavy lifting of the Crimson Tide hopes to continue to advance in the NCAA Tournamnet.
LSU PLAYERS TO WATCH
- Jayden Heavener (13 – 8, 2.75 ERA) has become the ace of this staff as a sophomore. She is regularly handed the ball in big games and pitched two and sometimes three times in a series. Although, the left-hander can be inconsistent at time.
- Cece Cellura (San Diego State ace) and Paytn Monticelli (Oklahoma) joined the Tigers via the transfer portal and have filled in the No. 2 and No. 3 spots in the rotation. Cellura is 9 – 5 with a 3.12 ERA. She has not had much success against SEC foes. Monticelli is 9 – 3 with a 2.40 ERA. She struggled early in the season, but has come on stronger as of late.
- Shortstop Kylee Edwards transferred in from Mississippi State and has had a fine season, hitting .349 with 10 homers and 40 RBI. The Tigers’ No. 3 hitter has struck out only 10 times, has a .440 OB%, and .628 slugging.
- CF Jalia Lassiter leads off and has scored 61 runs. Her BA stands at .348 to go with 9 dingers and 40 RBI. She gets on base at a .463 rate.
- 1B Tori Edwards is hitting .287 but leads the team with 12 round-trippers and 44 runs knocked in. However, she has struck out 36 times – 8th most of SEC players and 20 times against SEC pitching, 4th most.
SCHEDULE / HOW TO WATCH
Tuscaloosa Super Regional
- Friday, May 22 – 6pm/7pm – ESPN2
- Saturday, May 23 – 2pm/3pm – ESPN
- (if necessary) Sunday, May 24 – Time and TV to be determined
#RollTide #Team30
