Alabama softball is poised to make a strong run for the Women's College World Series after earning the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament. Despite a recent loss to Texas in the SEC championship, the team has the necessary pitching and lineup to succeed.
Key points
Alabama softball has a record of 49-7.
They lost to Texas in the SEC championship.
Alabama earned the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament.
The team has home-field advantage at Rhoads Stadium.
Strong pitching and lineup support their championship run.
How Alabama softball can reach the Women's College World Series
Alabama softball is more than capable of making a run for the Womenâs College World Series.
Donât let the Crimson Tideâs loss to Texas in the SEC Softball Tournament championship game fool you. Alabama still enters the NCAA Tournament with the strongest team in the country, with the pitching, lineup and now home-field advantage needed to survive the first two weekends.
Alabama (49-7) earned the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament, putting the Crimson Tide in position to host both a regional and, if it advances, a super regional at Rhoads Stadium.
The Crimson Tide is looking to reach the Womenâs College World Series for the 16th time in program history and for the first time in two years. Alabama has won one national championship, which came in 2012.
Here's how we think Alabama softball will make it to the Women's College World Series.
Can Alabama softball make it to the Women's College World Series?
With as much of a gauntlet SEC softball has been this season, Alabama's conference championship loss makes the path toward getting to the Women's College World Series seem like small potatoes.
Alabama is coming off a 7-1 loss to Texas in the SEC Tournament championship game on Saturday, May 9. The Crimson Tide took an early lead, but Texas scored seven unanswered runs to win its first SEC Tournament title in its second year in the conference.
Alabama now opens the Tuscaloosa Regional against USC Upstate (36-21) on Friday, May 15 at noon CT. The regional field also includes Belmont (40-11) and Southeastern Louisiana (46-14), with games running May 15-17 in a double-elimination format.
Q&A
What is Alabama softball's current record heading into the NCAA Tournament?
Alabama softball has a current record of 49-7 as they head into the NCAA Tournament.
How did Alabama softball perform in the SEC Softball Tournament?
Alabama softball lost to Texas in the SEC championship game but remains a strong contender for the NCAA Tournament.
What advantages does Alabama have in the NCAA Tournament?
Alabama has the No. 1 overall seed, home-field advantage, and a strong pitching lineup, positioning them well for the tournament.
Where will Alabama softball host the regional and super regional rounds?
Alabama softball will host both the regional and super regional rounds at Rhoads Stadium if they advance in the NCAA Tournament.
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Hosting the opening weekend is a major advantage for Alabama, which has made Rhoads Stadium one of college softballâs toughest environments. If the Crimson Tide advances, it would also host a Super Regional, giving Alabama a chance to reach Oklahoma City without leaving Tuscaloosa.
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Members of the University of Alabama ROTC present the colors on an evening when members of the armed forces and veterans were honored at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; MH-139 Grey Wolf helicopters from the 908th flying training wing at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery do the first ever flyover at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; MH-139 Grey Wolf helicopters from the 908th flying training wing at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery do the first ever flyover at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama left fielder Audrey Vandagriff snags a fly ball at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama right fielder Ana Roman fields a double and throws to second at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; South Carolina batter Tori Ensley celebrates after hitting a double at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; South Carolina base runner Tori Ensley is tagged out as she dives back to second by Alabama second baseman Jena Young at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama third baseman Ambrey Taylor fields a ball and throws to first for an out at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama shortstop Salen Hawkins fields a short fly ball at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama third baseman Ambrey Taylor fields a ball and throws to first for an out at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama third baseman Ambrey Taylor fields a ball and throws to first for an out at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama base runner Ana Roman slides safely into second as South Carolina second baseman Karley Shelton has a throw from the outfield get away from her at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; A Bama fan holds up a sing asking for a home run at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; A youth softball team cheers for the Crimson Tide at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama centerfielder Kristen White drifts back to grab a fly ball at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; A ball hit up the middle is just out of reach of Alabama shortstop Salen Hawkins at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama catcher Marlie Giles talks with pitcher Jocelyn Briski at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama second baseman Jena Young canât handle a hard-hit ball at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama centerfielder Kristen White makes a running catch near the warning track for an out at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Head coach Patrick Murphy gives a high five to Alabama batter Brooke Wells as she rounds third after hitting a two-run homer at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama batter Brooke Wells reaches the plate after hitting a two-run homer at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama second baseman Jena Young fields a grounder before throwing to first for an out at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama batter Audrey Vandagriff lays down a bunt at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Taco takes hot sauce in the traditional race at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabamaâs Jocelyn Briski pitches at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama second baseman Jena Young makes a catch in foul territory for an out at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Head coach Patrick Murphy poses for a photo with several players at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Players huddle with head coach Patrick Murphy at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Assistant coach Kayla Braud talks to assistant coach Lance McMahon before the game at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
1 / 29
Alabama vs South Carolina - SEC Softball
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Members of the University of Alabama ROTC present the colors on an evening when members of the armed forces and veterans were honored at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
1 / 29
Alabama vs South Carolina - SEC Softball
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Members of the University of Alabama ROTC present the colors on an evening when members of the armed forces and veterans were honored at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
2 / 29
Alabama vs South Carolina - SEC Softball
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; MH-139 Grey Wolf helicopters from the 908th flying training wing at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery do the first ever flyover at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
3 / 29
Alabama vs South Carolina - SEC Softball
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; MH-139 Grey Wolf helicopters from the 908th flying training wing at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery do the first ever flyover at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
4 / 29
Alabama vs South Carolina - SEC Softball
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama left fielder Audrey Vandagriff snags a fly ball at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
5 / 29
Alabama vs South Carolina - SEC Softball
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama right fielder Ana Roman fields a double and throws to second at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
6 / 29
Alabama vs South Carolina - SEC Softball
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; South Carolina batter Tori Ensley celebrates after hitting a double at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
7 / 29
Alabama vs South Carolina - SEC Softball
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; South Carolina base runner Tori Ensley is tagged out as she dives back to second by Alabama second baseman Jena Young at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
8 / 29
Alabama vs South Carolina - SEC Softball
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama third baseman Ambrey Taylor fields a ball and throws to first for an out at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
9 / 29
Alabama vs South Carolina - SEC Softball
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama shortstop Salen Hawkins fields a short fly ball at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
10 / 29
Alabama vs South Carolina - SEC Softball
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama third baseman Ambrey Taylor fields a ball and throws to first for an out at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
11 / 29
Alabama vs South Carolina - SEC Softball
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama third baseman Ambrey Taylor fields a ball and throws to first for an out at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
12 / 29
Alabama vs South Carolina - SEC Softball
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama base runner Ana Roman slides safely into second as South Carolina second baseman Karley Shelton has a throw from the outfield get away from her at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
13 / 29
Alabama vs South Carolina - SEC Softball
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; A Bama fan holds up a sing asking for a home run at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
14 / 29
Alabama vs South Carolina - SEC Softball
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; A youth softball team cheers for the Crimson Tide at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
15 / 29
Alabama vs South Carolina - SEC Softball
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama centerfielder Kristen White drifts back to grab a fly ball at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
16 / 29
Alabama vs South Carolina - SEC Softball
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; A ball hit up the middle is just out of reach of Alabama shortstop Salen Hawkins at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
17 / 29
Alabama vs South Carolina - SEC Softball
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama catcher Marlie Giles talks with pitcher Jocelyn Briski at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
18 / 29
Alabama vs South Carolina - SEC Softball
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama second baseman Jena Young canât handle a hard-hit ball at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
19 / 29
Alabama vs South Carolina - SEC Softball
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama centerfielder Kristen White makes a running catch near the warning track for an out at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
20 / 29
Alabama vs South Carolina - SEC Softball
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Head coach Patrick Murphy gives a high five to Alabama batter Brooke Wells as she rounds third after hitting a two-run homer at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
21 / 29
Alabama vs South Carolina - SEC Softball
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama batter Brooke Wells reaches the plate after hitting a two-run homer at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
22 / 29
Alabama vs South Carolina - SEC Softball
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama second baseman Jena Young fields a grounder before throwing to first for an out at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
23 / 29
Alabama vs South Carolina - SEC Softball
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama batter Audrey Vandagriff lays down a bunt at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
24 / 29
Alabama vs South Carolina - SEC Softball
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Taco takes hot sauce in the traditional race at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
25 / 29
Alabama vs South Carolina - SEC Softball
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabamaâs Jocelyn Briski pitches at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
26 / 29
Alabama vs South Carolina - SEC Softball
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama second baseman Jena Young makes a catch in foul territory for an out at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
27 / 29
Alabama vs South Carolina - SEC Softball
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Head coach Patrick Murphy poses for a photo with several players at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
28 / 29
Alabama vs South Carolina - SEC Softball
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Players huddle with head coach Patrick Murphy at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
29 / 29
Alabama vs South Carolina - SEC Softball
April 30, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Assistant coach Kayla Braud talks to assistant coach Lance McMahon before the game at Rhoads Stadium as the Crimson Tide hosted South Carolina.
The Tuscaloosa Regional is paired with the Baton Rouge Regional, led by No. 16 overall seed LSU. That side of the bracket also includes Virginia Tech, South Alabama and Akron.
Belmont may be Alabamaâs toughest test in the Tuscaloosa Regional, with ace Maya Johnson bringing a 27-2 record, 0.66 ERA and nation-leading 381 strikeouts to Rhoads Stadium. Southeastern Louisiana is not an easy out either after winning its first regular-season conference title and leading the nation in triples.
Alabamaâs path is manageable, but only if it does not let up, especially with a potential super regional matchup against SEC-tested LSU waiting on the other side of the weekend.
The Crimson Tide has the pitching depth for a postseason run with Jocelyn Briski, Vic Moten and Kaitlyn Pallozzi, but the lineup has to support it early. Alabama cannot afford too many slow starts or late-inning toss-ups now that one bad game can quickly change its path.
Alabama has lost consecutive games just once this season, dropping back-to-back road games at Tennessee on April 26-27. The Crimson Tide should have a strong chance to advance if it avoids letting one bad game become two.
Amelia Hurley covers high school and college sports for The Tuscaloosa News and USA TODAY Network. You can find her on X atameliahurley_or reach her at ahurley@usatodayco.com.
