The road to OKC for this Alabama softball team is going to be a tough one, but this is nothing new for Patrick Murphy's team.
This is a team that didn't win a weekend series in the SEC until the end of March, but was able to get a huge series win over Oklahoma towards the end of April. Though it has been a struggle in the SEC, it may be what this team needs to be great at the most important part of the season. They've experienced several one-run losses against tough SEC competition, so the hope is that luck changes in the Tide's favor starting this weekend, hosting their 20th straight home regional.
Virginia Tech, Belmont, and Jackson State are far from pushovers, and many see an upset winner coming from the Tuscaloosa Regional. The Hokies have one of the best players in America in Cori McMillan, and she will need to be contained as best as possible at the plate if Alabama wants to advance.
As we know, great pitching is what carries a team during the NCAA tournament, and Belmont has that in their ace Maya Johnson. She is considered by some to be the best pitcher in America, with over 340 strikeouts and an impressive 24-4 record.
Alabama will start against a tough Jackson State team coming off a SWAC Tournament championship over FAMU. The Tide comes into the Regional after a quick exit in the SEC Tournament, but being able to play in front of one of the best softball crowds in the country should give this team life.
The bats have been up and down all season, so getting clutch hitting will be crucial to the Tide getting to the Super Regional next week. They will need big weekends from both SEC First Team member Audrey Vandagriff, who has been Alabama's top hitter all season, as well as SEC Second Team member senior Kali Heivilin, who leads the team with 13 home runs.
For the first time in a while, there isn't anyone close to an ace on the staff, so it will be important not to get lit up early or give up something tough late, like we saw in the SEC Tournament against South Carolina.
If the Tide can outlast the Bruins, Hokies, and Tigers this weekend, it will more than likely lead to a Super Regional against the mighty Oklahoma Sooners, who are looking for a fifth straight National Championship. Folks consider the Sooners to be down this year, and despite them seeming a bit more mortal this season were able to come in and win the SEC regular season title and split the tournament championship in their first year.
There will be plenty of time to worry about Patty Gaso's team, as all hands on deck will be needed to come out of this weekend's regional as champions. This could be considered one of Patrick Murphy's best coaching jobs if things shake out well for Alabama this weekend.