Bama Softball Shocks The World

Alabama football, Alabama basketball, and Alabama softball. What do all three have in common outside of being athletics teams at the University of Alabama?

Get our free mobile app

All three made the final round of its tournament, with Alabama football making the College Football Playoff, Alabama basketball making the Final Four, and now Alabama softball making the Women's College World Series following its 4-1 victory over the rival Tennessee Volunteers to make its 15th straight Women's College World Series in program history.

The game itself seemed over after the first inning, when Alabama loaded the bases with two outs thanks to a Kenleigh Cahalan single, and Jenna Johnson and Marlie Giles getting hit by pitches. Next up, Riley Valentine smoked a grand slam over the left field fence and gave Alabama a 4-0 lead right out of the gate.

The game entered a rain delay after Alabama was retired for the inning, but it did not stop the Crimson Tide's momentum, as Alabama held its 4-0 lead until desperation time for Tennessee. The Volunteers scored one run, then got into game-winning position with a hit-by-pitch on Brockenbrough. Kayla Beaver stepped into the circle for Alabama, though, and retired Tennessee to send Alabama to the Women's College World Series.

Amidst a season where fans were disappointed in the offensive efforts by the Crimson Tide and Alabama's regional hosting bid was called into question, the Crimson Tide went undefeated in the Tuscaloosa Regional and won two straight games in Knoxville, one of them the longest game in NCAA Tournament history with Saturday's 14 inning outing, to advance to Oklahoma City once again under Patrick Murphy.

Alabama will take on the UCLA Bruins in its first game in OKC.