There was a return to normalcy on Friday with Alabama Softball. The Crimson Tide hosted a regional in front of a packed house at Rhoads Stadium and dominated in every aspect of the game en route to a victory.
A combined no-hitter and clutch hitting pushed the Tide over Alabama State, 9-0 in six innings, to open the Tuscaloosa Regional for their NCAA-leading 41st consecutive regional win dating back to 2007.
Lexi Kilfoyl and Krystal Goodman combined to record the no-hitter, with Kilfoyl having a record day in the circle. The sophomore struck out a career-high 15 batters in the win, which was two shy of the team record for postseason strikeouts.
Offensively, The Crimson Tide were led by Bailey Hemphill’s three RBI, two of which came off of a two-run home run in the 6th inning that put the eight-run run-rule into effect. Jenna Johnson also homered for Alabama. She hit her first home run of the season in the 2nd inning, which capped a nine pitch at-bat.
Alabama will face Clemson on Saturday at 11 A.M. CT. Clemson defeated Troy, 8-0, in their first-ever NCAA Tournament game since beginning their program in 2020. Valerie Cagle struck out 10 of 17 batters in the circle, and also hit two home runs in the win.