Alabama is picking a great time to play its best softball of the season.
Following a 7-1 win over No. 5 Arkansas in the SEC Tournament quarterfinals, the Crimson Tide didn't miss a beat in the semifinals, handing No. 9 Florida a 9-1 defeat in a run-rule shortened game thanks to an RBI single in the 5th by Ambrey Taylor. The win pushes Alabama to the SEC Tournament championship game, where they will play the winner of Texas/Georgia.
Crimson Tide made it an early night 😌@AlabamaSB x #SECTourney pic.twitter.com/YNcJpllKJH
— Southeastern Conference (@SEC) May 8, 2026
Freshman Vic Moten worked her way around a plethora of jams. She didn't have her best control, amplified by an inconsistent home plate umpire, and issued seven walks. But despite the Gators loading the bases multiple times, Moten remained her solid, unfazed self.
Moten allowed just one run on three hits across five innings while striking out four. She credited pitching coach Lance McMahon for settling her down, while accomplishing her goal of giving junior Jocelyn Briski, who threw a seven-inning gem against Arkansas on Thursday, a much-needed break.
“Trust your stuff and let your defense work," Moten said to Holly Rowe after the game about her mindset to work through trouble.
Moten's work will allow Briski to step into the circle well-rested for Saturday's championship game.
Alabama's bats remained hot against Florida in SEC semifinals
Moten consistently limited the damage Florida could do, but she got more than enough help from a potent Alabama lineup. The Tide plated nine runs on 13 hits.
The party got started with a four-run 2nd inning. Ambrey Taylor, who ended the party, got it started with a solo homer. Ana Roman and Marlie Giles followed with back-to-back bases-loaded singles that plated three runs to push Alabama ahead 4-0.
Florida got one back in the 3rd, but the Tide answered in the bottom half. An RBI double by Jena Young plated one, and then an RBI single by Alexis Pupillo plated another to push the lead to 6-1.
In the 5th, Alabama was ready to go home. Pupilo doubled home a run to make it a six-run game. Audrey Vandagriff smacked a double into the gap to put the winning run in scoring position, and then Taylor finished it off by slapping her third hit of the night into the outfield to send the Gators back to Gainesville.
In two games in Lexington for the SEC Tournament, Alabama has defeated two Top 10 opponents by a combined score of 16-2. It's been a dominant effort so far, and they'll look to finish it off on Saturday at 4pm CT in the championship game. A win would likely send the Tide to the NCAA Tournament as the No. 1 overall team.
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