Alabama softball takes first loss: T-Mobile Crimson Classic observations
Alabama softball hosted its final classic heading into SEC conference play.
The Crimson Tide went 3-1 at the TMobile Crimson Classic, where they were originally slated to play five games, but inclement weather took one game off the schedule. They picked up a 1-0 win over Northern Iowa on Thursday night, followed by a 2-1 win over No. 19/21 ranked Arizona on Friday night. Alabama dropped its Saturday contest vs. South Alabama 2-0 but capped off weekend play with a 1-0 win over Arizona.
Here are observations from Alabama softball's (19-1) outing at the TMobile Crimson Classic:
Alabama softball faced highest caliber opponents this season
In its opponents at the T-Mobile Crimson Classic, the Crimson Tide faced their toughest slate this season, and for the most part, they were up for the challenge. It faced No. 19/21 ranked Arizona twice, winning both times, along with facing solid opponents in South Alabama and Northern Iowa.
South Alabama handed Alabama its first loss of the season. It marks the second time South Alabama has defeated the Crimson Tide in their 17th meeting, and the second time South Alabama pitcher Olivia Lackie shutout the Crimson Tide offense at Rhoads Stadium.
Overall, it was a good way to end non-conference play for the Crimson Tide to get them ready for what's to come, as seven of the eight teams they are slated to face in SEC play this season are currently ranked in the Top-25 of either the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll or the ESPN.com/USA Softball poll.
Pitching, defense continue to get it done
While bats slowed down a bit compared to last weekend at the Green & Gold Classic, Alabama's pitching and defense remained consistent.
Kayla Beaver started in the circle for the Crimson Tide in their Thursday game vs. Northern Iowa and Friday's game vs. Arizona. Between the two contests, Beaver pitched 13.0 innings and gave up eight hits while striking out 12. She gave up one earned run vs. Arizona. Jaala Torrence started in the circle for both of Saturday's games, going 4.0 innings, allowing two hits and one earned run while striking out four vs. South Alabama, and going 5.0 innings, allowing three hits, striking out three and giving up zero runs vs. Arizona.
Alea Johnson came into close out Friday's game vs. the Wildcats, striking
his words.
"We didn't make a field goal for almost nine minutes," Oats said. "So if you don't make a field goal for nine minutes, you're probably not taking the best shots, and you're turning it over in combination."
This Alabama team has evolved into the most dangerous offense in the college game, and has closed out plenty of wins without needing much help from its defense. A barrage of 3-pointers from
Sears & Co. is all it takes, and the Crimson Tide has time and again proven itself dangerous enough to do just that. Against an equally formidable Tennessee team, however, closing out Saturday's contest demanded a strong finish on both ends of the floor.
And on this night, with the Coleman Coliseum lights never brighter, UA got neither.
Tuscaloosa News columnist Chase Goodbread is also the weekly co-host of Crimson Cover TV on WVUA-23. Reach him at cgoodbread@gannett.com. Follow on Twitter @chasegoodbread.