TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The Tide picked up yet another impressive conference win on Thursday night against a tough Mississippi State team on the road.
The Bulldogs were no pushover opponent for the Tide, as they came into the match holding a 10-2-3 record. And although the score might not reflect it, Alabama had their struggles throughout this game.
The Tide started off strong with a Gianna Paul goal coming from a Felicia Knox assist. Paul once again proves herself as a huge asset for this offense as she continues to use her size and speed to rack up goals for the Tide.
The Bulldogs struck back in the 35th minute with a goal from forward Haley McWhirter. Alabama continued to look out of sorts for the duration of the first half, making uncharacteristic mistakes, from bad passes to poor communication in the defensive third.
Alabama came out of halftime came out of halftime knowing they would have to elevate their play in order to keep their win streak alive, and that’s exactly what they did.
No one came out more motivated in the second half than Tide forward Riley Mattingly Parker, scoring a goal in the 64th minute and following it up with an assist to Ashlynn Serepca in the 75th. The Crimson Tide rounded off their stellar second half performance with a goal from Riley Tanner in the 89th minute, ending the game with a 4-1 win.
Mississippi State put immense pressure on Tide goalkeeper McKinley Crone all night with a total of 14 shots in the match, one more than the Tide. Crone stepped up to the challenge, with four saves and just one goal allowed on what just so happens to be her birthday. The Alabama goalkeeper and reigning SEC Defensive Player of the Week will surely enjoy herself on this birthday as she was credited with her 15th win of the season, most in a single season in program history. Crone holds the record for most career wins in program history as well, with a grand total of 33 after the win against Mississippi State.
Alabama will return to play Sunday night, when they host the Florida Gators.
