TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The Alabama softball team hosted Shelton State Community College for a double header exhibition on Sunday afternoon to open its fall schedule.

In 2023, the Tide finished 45-22 and made the Women’s College World Series. The team returns
multiple starters including sophomore outfielder Kristen White, senior infielder Bailey Dowling, and
senior pitcher Jaala Torrence.

Game One

Alabama got the scoring going early as Abby Duchscherer slapped a ball down the right field line for a
three-run double. Kali Heivilin would follow that up with an RBI triple to make It 4-0 after one inning.
Sophomore Riley Valentine smashed a ball off the wall in left center in the bottom of the second to
make it 6-0.

In the bottom of the third Jenna Johnson came up big with a two-run single to extend the lead to 9-0.
They would add three more runs on hits by Bailey Dowling, Valentine, and Emma Broadfoot to make it
12-0.

The Tide would add three more in the bottom of the fifth with two extra base hits by Jenna Johnson and
Kenleigh Cahalan to extend the lead to 15-0. The highlight of the game would come in the bottom of the
sixth when Lauren Esman pinch hit for Broadfoot. She would connect on a pitch and send it soaring over
the right field wall to make it 18-0.

Kayla Beaver, a graduate student who started in the circle for the Tide, dominated in her four innings of
work, finishing with four strikeouts and no runners allowed on base. Alea Johnson would come in relief
and strike out seven. Shelton did break up the no hitter in the 7th inning with a single and a home run to
make the final score 18-2 in game one.

Game two

Jocelyn Briski started the game in the circle for the Tide and got off to a hot start with two strikeouts in
the first inning. The offense would get going fast as well with Emma Broadfoot lining a ball to right
center for a two-run double.

Alabama would add another in the bottom of the second with Kristen White singling in Lauren Preuitt
after she led off the inning with a triple. Broadfoot would stay hot in the third inning smashing a ball off
the center field wall which scored Marlie Giles making it a 4-0 game.

Kristen White would pick up her second RBI of the game with another single in the bottom of the fourth
and Kat Grill would drive another run in with a single to left field making it 6-0. Broadfoot would keep
her fantastic day going with a solo shot in the bottom of the fifth to make it 7-0.

After a Duchscherer walk and an Esman single, Preuitt would send a fly ball to center that would score Duchscherer making it 8-0. The Tide would add two more in the bottom of the sixth off an error by Shelton State.

Overall, the Tide offense finished with 26 runs and over 25 hits in the doubleheader and scored every time they came to bat.

“One of the things we say is we’re like wave after wave after wave. So, if the first three don’t do it then
the second third do it and the third three do it,” said Head Coach Patrick Murphy.

Jaala Torrence would finish the game relieving Briski after the fourth inning. She would strike out three
to complete the shutout as the Tide would win game two 10-0. In 14 innings the pitching staff
dominated, only allowing two runs on four hits and striking out 20 batters.

“I think Lance has a really good with them thus far,” said Murphy. “You didn’t get to see just two today
but overall, it was really good.”

 

The Tide will welcome Wallace State to Rhoads Stadium for a double header exhibition on Oct. 15 at 1
p.m. CT.

 

Nazario Pangallo is a contributor for WVUA-FM.