The University of Alabama softball team’s season ended on Sunday after the Tide dropped the series-ending game against Hawaii in the NCAA Super Regional 5-4.
Hawaii won the game thanks to a two-run walk-off home run by Jenna Rodriguez in the bottom of the seventh inning to secure a spot in the NCAA Women’s World Series.
Head coach Partick Murphy after the game said he felt Hawaii earned the win.
“I want to say congrats to Hawaii,” Murphy said. “That is awesome for them and their program. I know Bob [Coolen] has been at it there for a long time. They are going to do a great job at the World Series, so congrats to them. They played really well today.”
Hawaii’s Rodriguez gave Alabama trouble as she accounted for all five runs, starting with a three-run home run in the first inning to give the Rainbow Wahine a 3-0 lead. Tide pitcher Kelsi Dunne battled Hawaii well, recording 16 strikeouts and allowing 5 hits with 2 walks.
“They have great hitters,” Dunne said.