The underdogs did it. Alabama softball defeated No. 3 Tennessee in Knoxville in the last game of the NCAA super regional, advancing to the program’s 15th Women’s College World Series.
A day after winning a 14-game epic, the Crimson Tide scored all of its runs in the first inning, thanks to a grand slam by Riley Valentine. After a 2 hour and 57 minute weather delay, the teams went to the field, but the Lady Vols could never catch up.
Alabama’s Jocelyn Briski won the pitching win, and Kayla Beaver saved the day. Payton Gottshall suffered the defeat for UT.
Here’s a look back at how the upset victory occurred.
Alabama’s pre-game lineup included Kristen White, Larrissa Preuitt, Kenleigh Cahalan, Jenna Johnson, Marlie Giles, Riley Valentine, Bailey Dowling, Lauren Esman, Kali Heivilin, and Jocelyn Briski.
Tennessee’s lineup includes Kiki Milloy, Rylie West, Zaida Puni, McKenna Gibson, Sophia Nugent, Taylor Pannell, Laura Mealer, Giulia Koutsoyanopulos, Bella Faw, and Payton Gottshall.
— With Baylor and Florida still playing, the game will be televised live on ESPN U.
— Alabama is the designated away team for Sunday’s contest.
In the first inning, Riley Valentine smashes a grand slam with two outs, starting the scoring for the Crimson Tide. Alabama leads 4-0.
— No more runs for the Tide in the first.
— The game has been delayed due to storms in the Knoxville region.
— The game might restart as early as 6 p.m. CT. There will be an update at 5:30 p.m.
— The game is now set to resume at 6:15 p.m. CT.
— The game is poised to restart. Jocelyn Briski is in the circle for the Crimson Tide.
— The delay officially lasted 2 hours and 57 minutes, from 3:18 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. CT. Briski delivers the first pitch, and the game resumes.
— Briski strikes out two in the first inning as Tennessee fails to score.
In the second inning, Alabama starts with three up and three down.
— The Lady Vols achieved the same result, with three groundouts.
In the third inning, Alabama left a runner stranded and did not score any runs.
— Briski strikes out Kili Milloy, leaving a UT runner on third base to close the inning.
In the fourth inning, Tennessee holds the Crimson Tide scoreless. Karlyn Pickens is presently throwing for UT.
— The Lady Vols threaten but cannot score in the bottom of the fourth.
In the fifth inning, Alabama gets two runners in scoring position but is unable to extend their lead.
— Tennessee did not score any runs. Tide is six outs from the WCWS.
Alabama falls behind 1-2-3 in the sixth inning.
— Briski and the Crimson Tide continue to hold Tennessee scoreless.
In the 7th inning, the Tide scored no runs. If UA manages to get the side out, the game is done.
— Taylor Pannell hits an RBI single to put Tennessee on the board. Lady Vols have runners on first and second with no outs, trailing 4-1.
— Alabama is first out. Kayla Beaver is now pitching for the Crimson Tide. Runners are still on first and second.
— After a lengthy hit-by-pitch review, UT has the bases loaded with one out.
— Tennessee gets two outs. Kiki Malloy represents UT’s final opportunity with the bases still loaded.
— Malloy grounds out. Alabama wins 4-1 and advances to the Women’s College World Series.
