Marlie Giles Extends Alabama’s Season

Alabama softball continues an improbable postseason run, with a big 2-1 win over the Duke Blue Devils in the elimination game on Friday night.

The Crimson Tide earned their first win in the Women's College World Series since the 2020-2021 season. Marlie Giles was the hero for Alabama on Friday, as she was responsible for both of the runs that helped the Crimson Tide.

Giles had only two hits, but they counted when it mattered most. She hit home the first run for Alabama in the top of the first inning, allowing Kenleigh Cahalan to score to give the Tide a 1-0 lead right out of the gate. Duke tied the game up in the second inning, but Alabama kept its composure.

Giles's bat struck again in the sixth inning, connecting on a home run over the right field to give Alabama a slim 2-1 lead.

Jocelyn Briski started for Alabama, allowing just the one Duke run on five hits with two strikeouts. Beaver came in during the fourth inning and struck out three batters while allowing no hits, earning her third win in this year's NCAA tournament.

Alabama avoided elimination thanks to the heroics of Giles and Beaver. The Crimson Tide will watch Texas and Florida on Saturday morning, and play the loser of that game on Sunday, June 2.