Jocelyn Briski’s Near-Perfect Game Takes Alabama SB To The Regional Finals

Tuscaloosa, Ala. - Alabama Softball continued its strong postseason tradition by advancing to another Regional final, a stage the Crimson Tide has reached every year since the current NCAA postseason format began in 2005. Alabama now has the opportunity to secure its 22nd all-time regional title and 20th under the current format, while also aiming for an NCAA-record 19th Super Regional appearance.

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In the first inning, senior Marlie Giles sparked Alabama’s offense with a bases-loaded single to right field that brought home two runs. Freshman Ana Roman followed with an RBI groundout to extend the Crimson Tide’s lead to 3-0. Those early runs proved to be all Alabama needed thanks to another dominant performance from junior Jocelyn Briski in the circle.

Briski carried a perfect game into the sixth inning before surrendering a one-out single. The junior ultimately finished with one hit allowed, one walk, and seven strikeouts while throwing 53 strikes on 72 total pitches, good for a 74 percent strike rate. The outing marked Briski’s 14th complete game of the season and her fifth solo shutout. Alabama’s pitching staff also recorded its second shutout in as many games this weekend and the program’s 33rd all-time regional shutout.

The Crimson Tide’s 24th shutout of the season ties the 2006 team for the fourth-most in a single season in program history. Meanwhile, Belmont ace Maya Johnson allowed three earned runs, tied for the most she has given up in a game all season.

Head coah Patrick Murphy shared an opening statement and more.

It was a heck of an entertaining game. I was really pleased with our first inning - it couldn't have gone any better. We practiced a lot this week putting pressure on them, being short to the ball and trying to eliminate the strikeouts and put pressure on them all game long. The first inning was terrific and Briski did the rest.

The remaining bracket from Saturday will determine Alabama's opponent in the championship game. The championship game will take place at 12:00 CT on Sunday, May 17, with TV coverage to be determined.

Chase Brumfield is the morning producer and writer for Tide 100.9. He is a recent graduate from Mississippi State University as a Communications Major. Follow Chase for more Alabama content on X at @cb3864.