Recap: Alabama Softball’s NCAA Super Regional Loss to Tennessee

Alabama softball had a chance to pull off an upset in the NCAA Tournament’s Knoxville super regional. Entering the bottom of the first inning, the Crimson Tide, heavy underdogs, were up 2-0 against No. 3 Tennessee.

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May 25, 2024 - 00:05 Updated: May 25, 2024 - 05:21
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Recap: Alabama Softball’s NCAA Super Regional Loss to Tennessee

{Chronicle} – Alabama softball had a chance to pull off an upset in the NCAA Tournament’s Knoxville super regional. Entering the bottom of the first inning, the Crimson Tide, heavy underdogs, were up 2-0 against No. 3 Tennessee.

Then, the Lady Vols started hitting. With two outs, Alabama had a chance to end the inning, but a fielding error allowed Tennessee to score their first run.

Lauren Mealer then hit a two-run homer for Tennessee, securing a 3-2 victory. Karlyn Pickens earned the win in the circle for Tennessee, while Kayla Beaver took the loss for Alabama.

As the teams prepare for Saturday’s second game, which Alabama must win to stay in the tournament, here’s a look at how Friday’s game unfolded.

Pregame

  • Alabama Starting Pitcher: Kayla Beaver
  • Tennessee Starting Pitcher: Karlyn Pickens

Alabama Lineup:

  • Kristen White
  • Larissa Preuitt
  • Kenleigh Cahalan
  • Jenna Johnson
  • Marlie Giles
  • Bailey Dowlin
  • Kali Heivilin
  • Riley Valentine
  • Emma Broadfoot
  • Kayla Beaver

Tennessee Lineup:

  • Kiki Milloy
  • Taylor Pannell
  • McKenna Gibson
  • Zaida Puni
  • Rylie West
  • Sophia Nugent
  • Destiny Rodriguez
  • Giulia Koutsoyanopulos
  • Laura Mealer
  • Karlyn Pickens

1st Inning

  • Alabama starts strong with Kristen White getting a leadoff single and advancing to third on a fielding error.
  • White scores on a wild pitch, putting Alabama up 1-0.
  • Alabama fails to score further in the inning, Tennessee up next.
  • Tennessee gets one runner on base but does not score.

2nd Inning

  • Marlie Giles reaches first after a successful hit-by-pitch challenge.
  • Riley Valentine singles, scoring Giles to make it 2-0 Alabama.
  • Valentine is left stranded on third, but Alabama maintains the lead.
  • Tennessee goes three up, three down in the second.

3rd Inning

  • Alabama leaves two on base, failing to score.
  • Tennessee also fails to get any runners on base, Alabama still leads 2-0 after three innings.

4th Inning

  • No runs for Alabama in the top of the fourth.
  • Another strong defensive inning for Alabama, Tennessee gets nothing.

5th Inning

  • Cahalan reaches on a third strike passed ball, but Alabama doesn’t score.
  • Tennessee scores on an Alabama fielding error, Murphy challenges the play at the plate, but the call is upheld. Alabama now leads 2-1 with two outs.
  • Lauren Mealer hits a two-run homer, putting Tennessee ahead 3-2. Jocelyn Briski comes in to pitch for Alabama.
  • Alabama stops further scoring, but Tennessee’s challenge of an out at first base is upheld.

6th Inning

  • Giles singles, prompting Payton Gottshall to pitch for Tennessee.
  • Alabama ends the inning in scoring position but does not capitalize.
  • Tennessee doesn’t score, leaving Alabama down 3-2 with three outs remaining.

7th Inning

  • Alabama fails to score in the final frame, resulting in a 3-2 win for Tennessee.