Injuries plague Alabama Crimson Tide across all athletic teams

First, let’s highlight the teams who have just begun their respective seasons and the injuries they are already facing.

Alabama Gymnastics-

Currently ranked number six in the country, the Alabama Gymnastics team has had a strong start in Dana Duckworth’s sixth year as the Tide’s head coach. On Friday, February 14th, the Tide was to take on Arkansas in a home meet to celebrate Alumni night. Despite getting the win and an impressive finish on their floor routines, injury stole the spotlight.

Sophomore Griffin James took a frightening fall on her floor exercise and was unable to stand. Medical staff had to help James off the mat into the locker room. It was later determined James suffered an Achilles’ injury.

Additionally, Makarri Doggette had to be tended to for a knee issue and is currently awaiting an MRI to determine further diagnosis and treatment.

Alabama Softball-

The Alabama Crimson Tide softball team had an illustrious number one preseason ranking. However, the hype was perhaps a little too much for the Tide when opening weekend handed them three losses in four games.

Since then, the Tide has had a few major wins over top-ranked Washington and others but at the mercy of losses to UCLA and Oklahoma State. The team currently sits at 4-5 with the rest of the season awaiting.

The most crushing loss was likely of senior outfielder Elissa Brown. Last week, Brown underwent successful surgery for her broken hand but will miss play indefinitely. In her Junior year, Brown started 68 games at centerfield. She had a .328 batting average and led the team with 48 stolen bases. She also had two hits and a RBI in the win over Florida in last year’s Women’s College World Series.

Alabama Softball will look to replace Brown’s leadership and skill and move forward facing the rest of the season in pursuit of another WCWS bid.