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Alabama softball wanted a Women's College World Series berth, and it couldn’t wait any longer.
After four hours of weather delays, the Crimson Tide was eager to get out of Tuscaloosa. It turned to its pair of ever-so-reliable pitchers to get the job done: ace Jocelyn Briski and up-and-coming freshman Vic Moten.
MORE: Alabama softball sweeps LSU, books ticket to Women’s College World Series
As Alabama took the field at the bottom of the fifth inning after the last delay, Briski stepped out of the dugout. She was met with murmur in the crowd. A buzz in the air, like the reality fans across Tuscaloosa have been waiting for was coming soon.
One day after Briski put together a masterclass performance in Alabama softball’s 7-0 shutout win over LSU on Friday, she followed closing down a 4-1 win over the Tigers, securing the super regional and earning a spot in the Women’s College World Series.
Through her three innings of relief, she allowed two hits, walked one and struck out five.
It’s who Briski has been all season. It’s who Briski was Friday night when she was perfect other than a leadoff double.
Alabama didn't need Briski to be perfect. It's exactly that ease that allows her to be.
BRISKI: Jocelyn Briski's hot streak puts Alabama softball one win from WCWS
"She turned the switch somehow, some way, over the summer" Alabama softball coach Patrick Murphy said. "Came back bigger, better, stronger, more mentally, though. And she has just been unbelievably competitive. ... Just a completely different kid."
That foundation of success wouldn't be without Moten. She allowed one run off five hits, striking out seven and walking one through four innings.
With each out, whether it be by strike or forced, Moten celebrated like it was the last pitch of the game. She does this on purpose.
"My intangible for the team is bringing energy," Moten said. "Whenever I pitch, I want to put us in the best position as possible, so whenever everybody makes good plays or if I get a strikeout, an out's an out, so I'll celebrate and give us energy that way."
After her first outing vs. LSU, Briski said having dimes like Moten in Alabama's pocket is what makes her job in the circle simpler. Murphy has faith in his freshman just the same.
"This was the biggest game that she's pitched in her life, and you couldn't tell," Murphy said. "She was cool. She was very competitive."
MORE: Alabama softball brings joy in domination vs LSU in super regional
And now, for the 16th time in program history, Alabama softball is heading to Oklahoma City for its last stop of the postseason. The year, though long, is something this team has relished.
Something no one on this team wants to end any time soon. And they'll do their best to extend their stay for as long as possible.
Amelia Hurley covers high school and college sports for The Tuscaloosa News and USA TODAY Network. You can find her on X at ameliahurley_ or reach her at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Alabama softball earns Women's College World Series berth with experts in circle
Continue reading...
After four hours of weather delays, the Crimson Tide was eager to get out of Tuscaloosa. It turned to its pair of ever-so-reliable pitchers to get the job done: ace Jocelyn Briski and up-and-coming freshman Vic Moten.
MORE: Alabama softball sweeps LSU, books ticket to Women’s College World Series
As Alabama took the field at the bottom of the fifth inning after the last delay, Briski stepped out of the dugout. She was met with murmur in the crowd. A buzz in the air, like the reality fans across Tuscaloosa have been waiting for was coming soon.
One day after Briski put together a masterclass performance in Alabama softball’s 7-0 shutout win over LSU on Friday, she followed closing down a 4-1 win over the Tigers, securing the super regional and earning a spot in the Women’s College World Series.
Through her three innings of relief, she allowed two hits, walked one and struck out five.
It’s who Briski has been all season. It’s who Briski was Friday night when she was perfect other than a leadoff double.
Alabama didn't need Briski to be perfect. It's exactly that ease that allows her to be.
BRISKI: Jocelyn Briski's hot streak puts Alabama softball one win from WCWS
"She turned the switch somehow, some way, over the summer" Alabama softball coach Patrick Murphy said. "Came back bigger, better, stronger, more mentally, though. And she has just been unbelievably competitive. ... Just a completely different kid."
That foundation of success wouldn't be without Moten. She allowed one run off five hits, striking out seven and walking one through four innings.
With each out, whether it be by strike or forced, Moten celebrated like it was the last pitch of the game. She does this on purpose.
"My intangible for the team is bringing energy," Moten said. "Whenever I pitch, I want to put us in the best position as possible, so whenever everybody makes good plays or if I get a strikeout, an out's an out, so I'll celebrate and give us energy that way."
After her first outing vs. LSU, Briski said having dimes like Moten in Alabama's pocket is what makes her job in the circle simpler. Murphy has faith in his freshman just the same.
"This was the biggest game that she's pitched in her life, and you couldn't tell," Murphy said. "She was cool. She was very competitive."
MORE: Alabama softball brings joy in domination vs LSU in super regional
And now, for the 16th time in program history, Alabama softball is heading to Oklahoma City for its last stop of the postseason. The year, though long, is something this team has relished.
Something no one on this team wants to end any time soon. And they'll do their best to extend their stay for as long as possible.
Amelia Hurley covers high school and college sports for The Tuscaloosa News and USA TODAY Network. You can find her on X at ameliahurley_ or reach her at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Alabama softball earns Women's College World Series berth with experts in circle
Continue reading...
