Alabama Softball Loses Game 1 of Super Regional

NORMAN, Okla. - In their second meeting of the season, Alabama faced Oklahoma, a team they had previously bested in the regular season. However, the Sooners clearly sought to settle some unfinished business with a shutout opening Super Regionals victory.

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The game began as a pitcher's duel, with Sam Landry taking the circle for the Sooners and Jocelyn Briski pitching for the Crismon Tide. The stalemate broke in the bottom of the third when Kasidi Pickering blasted her 10th home run in 44 NCAA Tournament at-bats, a two-run shot that put the Sooners ahead 2-0.

The Crismon Tide escaped the inning thanks to a double play, clearing the bases with two outs, and Briski followed up by fielding a groundout, limiting the damage. In the fourth, the Crimson Tide managed to get a runner on base but failed to score. They then held the Sooners, keeping the score to 2-0.

In the fifth, Larissa Preuitt sparked some life with a leadoff infield single, but the Crimson Tide's efforts to get on the board were again thwarted. The Sooners then extended their lead in the bottom of the fifth when Sydney Barker delivered an RBI single. Kali Heivilin ended the inning with a diving stop.

Alexis Pupillo led off the sixth with a double down the right-field line, but the runners were left stranded. The Crismon Tide then made a pitching change, bringing in Alea Johnson, who retired the Sooners in order. Down to their last three outs, the Crimson Tide needed to either tie or take the lead to, but they were ultimately shut out by the Sooners, 3-0.

The two teams will return on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. CT for game 2, which will stream on ESPN.