The Crimson Tide used a first half goal from Itala Gemelli and five clutch saves from Coralie Lallier to move past Ole Miss on the road 1-0.

Alabama came out with a slow start, as the Rebels put up three shots on goal within the first 20 minutes, finishing with five in the half. The Tide had a hard time maintaining any attack and couldn’t keep the ball out of their own side of the pitch.

Fortunately for the Crimson Tide, Gemelli scored off an assist from Gessica Skorka in the 37th minute, opening the doors for the Alabama offense. The goal was Gemelli’s second of the season and her first since the Tide’s season opener against DePaul.

Gemelli wrapped a shot to the top right corner of the goal from outside of the box just moments before her score, but Ole Miss goalkeeper Shu Ohba made a spectacular diving save. Ohba had a fantastic game for the Rebels saving six of Alabama’s seven shots on goal, five of which came in the second half alone.

The Crimson Tide did a much better job dictating the pace of the match in the second half, forcing five shots on goal and possessing the ball in the midfield as efficiently they have all season.

Coralie Lallier had yet another impressive game for Alabama as well, saving all five of Ole Miss’s shots on goal. Lallier has now won back to back games as the starter for the Tide.

“Winning on the road in this league is not easy. They [Ole Miss] were undefeated at home before tonight, and we came in and got three points and put us in a great position for Pensacola and the NCAA Tournament,” Wes Hart said after the match.

This late season surge is exactly what the Tide needed after their struggles throughout SEC play. Alabama has won two straight games in conference play after winning just three of their first seven SEC matches.

Hart called the win “massive” for the Tide, who now hold an overall record of  10-3-4 and a 4-3-1 record in conference play. Alabama will look to extend their win streak through their last couple of SEC games (Mississippi State and Missouri).

The Crimson Tide will be back in action for their last home game of the season Sunday evening against the Mississippi State Bulldogs.