Alabama defeated Missouri, 4-3, in the deciding game of their weekend softball series on March 22, securing its third Southeastern Conference (SEC) series victory of the season.
The win marks the first time since 2019 that Alabama has won its first three conference series to start a season. The Crimson Tide improved to a record of 29-2 overall and 7-2 in SEC play, while Missouri fell to 15-18 overall and 1-5 in the conference.
After falling behind by two runs early in the game, Ambrey Taylor gave Alabama the lead with a three-run home run in the fourth inning. Ana Roman added a solo home run in the fifth, which proved crucial as Missouri responded with a two-run homer in the sixth to narrow Alabama’s lead to one run. Jocelyn Briski pitched a complete game for Alabama, finishing with two strikeouts and a flyout in the seventh inning to secure her second complete-game win of the weekend and her fourth straight overall.
Head Coach Patrick Murphy said, “I was really pleased with the grit and resiliency of the team today. It was a really good atmosphere at Mizzou all weekend and it certainly gave them a home field advantage. Ambrey Taylor has taken advantage of every opportunity she’s been given and today she answered the call again. Jocelyn [Briski] also had another really good game for us. I’ve been really happy with what she’s done this year.”
Other highlights from Sunday’s game included Alexis Pupillo extending her reached base streak to 27 games after going 1-for-4 at the plate. Taylor’s three RBIs tied her season high for runs driven in during a single game, matching her performance on March 1 against Oakland. The home runs were Taylor’s fifth and Roman’s ninth of the season.
Alabama will next face Jacksonville State and UNA on Wednesday, March 25, with both games scheduled to take place in Tuscaloosa.
