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Alabama softball didn’t need another run against LSU. But in the fifth inning, the Crimson Tide still celebrated like it secured its first.
Pinch running for catcher Marlie Giles, Kinley Pate circled the bases on two wild pitches and an LSU throwing error. When she touched home plate, giving Alabama its seventh and final run in a 7-0 win at the NCAA Tuscaloosa Super Regional, she was met by Ambrey Taylor, who screamed with elation.
It wasn’t the biggest offensive play of the day, or the most explosive. But it was the next one. And for Alabama senior Alexis Pupillo, that was enough.
“We came in with the attitude that we’re going to respect them, no matter who’s on the other side of the field in the opposing dugout,” Pupillo said.
Pupillo is talking about LSU, a perennial SEC contender, a team Alabama has beaten six times in 12 tries in the past five seasons.
In Alabama’s super regional opener, the Crimson Tide made LSU look like just another opponent, another SEC opponent to dominate.
While Jocelyn Briski shut down the LSU offense, Alabama did what it always did. The Crimson Tide put the pedal to the floor offensively, scoring seven runs on 10 hits while needing only one home run: Pupillo’s 18th of the year. Alabama kept baserunners in motion and momentum on its side.
“I thought it was huge,” Alabama coach Patrick Murphy said. “Especially Jena Young leading off with a hit up the middle to set the tone for the entire night. And then I don’t think you can hit a ball harder than (Pupillo) did after that. The double over the center fielder’s head was just a rope. And I say it all the time in practice: put a hole in the wall. That’s as close as it’s come in 30 years.”
LSU coach Beth Torina said the Tigers’ pitching and defense simply didn’t execute on a plan she’s confident “could have worked.”
But this is not just another Alabama team, one that has struggled to beat LSU in a rivalry that dates back to the program’s start, but took a back seat due to SEC expansion.
For Alabama, this win was another example of what it’s been all season. It was the Crimson Tide’s softball team’s version of “Joyless Murderball,” a common phrase used to describe the Alabama football dynasty during the Nick Saban years.
The domination, or "murderball," happened for Alabama against LSU. But it was by no means joyless.
“Playing at Rhoads is such a blessing because our fans are amazing and have our back always,” Pupillo said. “The fans get excited, we get excited, and that just gives us a whole bunch of energy.”
Alabama will take on LSU in the second game of the NCAA Tournament super regional at 2 p.m. CT Saturday, May 23 on ESPN.
Colin Gay covers Alabama football for The Tuscaloosa News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at [email protected] or follow him @_ColinGay on X, formerly known as Twitter.
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Alabama softball brings joy in domination vs LSU in super regional
Continue reading...
Pinch running for catcher Marlie Giles, Kinley Pate circled the bases on two wild pitches and an LSU throwing error. When she touched home plate, giving Alabama its seventh and final run in a 7-0 win at the NCAA Tuscaloosa Super Regional, she was met by Ambrey Taylor, who screamed with elation.
It wasn’t the biggest offensive play of the day, or the most explosive. But it was the next one. And for Alabama senior Alexis Pupillo, that was enough.
“We came in with the attitude that we’re going to respect them, no matter who’s on the other side of the field in the opposing dugout,” Pupillo said.
Pupillo is talking about LSU, a perennial SEC contender, a team Alabama has beaten six times in 12 tries in the past five seasons.
In Alabama’s super regional opener, the Crimson Tide made LSU look like just another opponent, another SEC opponent to dominate.
While Jocelyn Briski shut down the LSU offense, Alabama did what it always did. The Crimson Tide put the pedal to the floor offensively, scoring seven runs on 10 hits while needing only one home run: Pupillo’s 18th of the year. Alabama kept baserunners in motion and momentum on its side.
“I thought it was huge,” Alabama coach Patrick Murphy said. “Especially Jena Young leading off with a hit up the middle to set the tone for the entire night. And then I don’t think you can hit a ball harder than (Pupillo) did after that. The double over the center fielder’s head was just a rope. And I say it all the time in practice: put a hole in the wall. That’s as close as it’s come in 30 years.”
LSU coach Beth Torina said the Tigers’ pitching and defense simply didn’t execute on a plan she’s confident “could have worked.”
But this is not just another Alabama team, one that has struggled to beat LSU in a rivalry that dates back to the program’s start, but took a back seat due to SEC expansion.
For Alabama, this win was another example of what it’s been all season. It was the Crimson Tide’s softball team’s version of “Joyless Murderball,” a common phrase used to describe the Alabama football dynasty during the Nick Saban years.
The domination, or "murderball," happened for Alabama against LSU. But it was by no means joyless.
“Playing at Rhoads is such a blessing because our fans are amazing and have our back always,” Pupillo said. “The fans get excited, we get excited, and that just gives us a whole bunch of energy.”
Alabama will take on LSU in the second game of the NCAA Tournament super regional at 2 p.m. CT Saturday, May 23 on ESPN.
Colin Gay covers Alabama football for The Tuscaloosa News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at [email protected] or follow him @_ColinGay on X, formerly known as Twitter.
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Alabama softball brings joy in domination vs LSU in super regional
Continue reading...
