Alabama softball continues to roll as the team went 5-0 in the Hillenbrand Invitational. Alabama faced tough opponents, such as No. 9 Arizona and South Florida, but rose to the occasion and completed another consistent weekend of softball.

In game one, Alabama defeated USF 2-0. Senior Merris Schroder hit a solo home run to get the Crimson Tide on the board in the fifth inning. Kaylee Tow scored the important insurance run in the sixth inning on a passed ball. On the mound, Montana Fouts was once again impressive, striking out 12 batters in a complete game outing for the freshman.

In game two, KB Sides’ double to score Maddie Morgan was the only run Alabama needed to secure a 1-0 victory against New Mexico. Pitching was dominant for the Crimson Tide as junior Krystal Goodman and Sarah Cornell combined to limit the Lobos offense to four hits.

In game three, Alabama cruised to a 7-2 victory over Cal State Fullerton. Sides and Tow led the offensive charge for the Crimson Tide. Sides went 2-for-4 with two RBIs, while Tow went 2-for-3 with two doubles and three RBIs. Junior Sarah Cornell pitched a complete game allowing two earned runs on five hits with two strikeouts and four walks.

In game four, Alabama dominated No. 9 Arizona by a score of 6-1. Freshman Skylar Wallace had a clutch game for Alabama. Her two RBI double gave the Crimson Tide the insurance runs it needed to defeat the Wildcats. Senior Caroline Hardy hit a pinch-hit home run to put the game out of reach in the seventh. Fouts was dominant again in the circle. She pitched a complete game with eight strikeouts, no walks and one unearned run on six hits.

In the final game, Alabama needed only five innings to beat UIC 13-4. Bailey Hemphill led the offense charge with a 3-for-3 day including a pair of home runs and five RBIs. Sides also had nice game going 2-for-3 with three RBIs. Two of her RBIs came in her first career home run in the bottom of the third. Junior Courtney Gettins gave a strong performance in the circle. She went four innings and gave up one earned run on three hits, four strikeouts and no walks.

Next weekend, Alabama makes its 2019 home debut hosting the Easton Bama Bash. Action at Rhoads Stadium begins Friday, March 22 as the Tide welcomes Minnesota, Missouri State and ULM.