Maya Johnson of Belmont softball claims mid-majors can beat top teams, referencing Alabama's history. She aims to make an impact in the NCAA Tournament's Tuscaloosa Regional.
Key points
Maya Johnson calls out Alabama softball
Belmont softball aims to challenge top teams
Tuscaloosa Regional presents opportunity for Bruins
In an interview with ESPN's Holly Rowe following the unveiling of the 64-team bracket, the nation's leading ERA holder was asked why the Bruins could make some noise in Tuscaloosa and become a potential Cinderella team on the Road to Oklahoma City.
Her response exerted a high-level of confidence and showed research with her teammates sitting behind her.
"We wouldn't be the first mid-major to beat Alabama this year," Johnson said. "We've beaten SEC teams. We want everyone to be scared of us, and we want them to know our name. We're going in fully expecting to be able to win."
The Bruins and the Crimson Tide wouldn't meet up at Rhoads Stadium until May 16 at the earliest, either in the winner's bracket game or in one of the double-elimination games. Johnson enters the NCAA Softball Tournament leading the country in ERA (0.70) and strikeouts (361), with her 1,170 career strikeouts leading all active players in the country.
Q&A
What did Maya Johnson say about Alabama softball?
Maya Johnson stated that it wouldn't be the first time a mid-major team beats Alabama, highlighting her confidence ahead of the NCAA Tournament.
How did Maya Johnson prepare for the NCAA Tournament?
Maya Johnson did her homework and expressed her belief that the Bruins could be a Cinderella team in the Tuscaloosa Regional.
What is the significance of the Tuscaloosa Regional for Belmont softball?
The Tuscaloosa Regional is significant as it presents an opportunity for Belmont softball to challenge a top-seeded team like Alabama in the NCAA Tournament.
What is Maya Johnson's role in Belmont softball?
Maya Johnson is the ace pitcher for Belmont softball and holds the nation's leading ERA.
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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 can’t 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; Alabama’s 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 can’t 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; Alabama’s 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.
Belmont has beaten two SEC teams this season in Georgia and Mississippi State, two games that Johnson stood in the circle for. In those two games, Johnson tossed two complete games while striking out a combined 25 hitters and giving up just one run.
Alabama has one loss to a mid-major program this season: a 3-2 loss to Samford on Tuesday, April 14 in Birmingham.
"We say every day, 'Why not us?' We've showed that we can beat those top teams, and I don't think this is any different. You have mid-majors upsetting your power four (conference programs) every day. We've done it multiple times this year. so if you want to bet on an underdog story, bet on us."
Alabama is hosting a regional at Rhoads Stadium for the 21st straight season under Patrick Murphy, and has won its last seven regional games. Murphy's squad opens up Tuscaloosa Regional play at noon ET on Friday, May 15 against USC Upstate.