Alabama Survived Virginia Tech Saturday Afternoon

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - In a dramatic, back-and-forth battle at Rhoads Stadium, Alabama softball weathered early pressure from Virginia Tech and emerged with a hard-fought 4-3 victory, thanks to clutch defense and timely hitting.

The Hokies wasted no time applying pressure in the top of the first inning, getting two runners on base with no outs. Alabama's Jocelyn Briski responded with a big strikeout, but a base hit by Kylie Aldridge - followed by a Crimson Tide fielding error - loaded the bases.

Bre Peck delivered the Hokies' first blow with a single to score a run. Emily LeGette followed  with what appeared to be a two-run single to extend the Hokies' lead; however, after an Alabama challenge, one run was overturned, keeping the Hokies ahead 2-0.

In the top of the second inning, the Crimson Tide intentionally walked NCAA home run leader Cori McMillan. The decision proved beneficial as the Hokies ultimately left two runners stranded.

The Crimson Tide's offense came alive in the bottom half, fueled by sharp base running. Brooke Ellestad led off with a single and advanced to second on an error. With two outs, Ellestad alertly dashed home while the Hokies focused on getting Abby Duchscherer out at first, cutting the deficit to 2-1.

The momentum swung firmly to the Crimson Tide in the third when Kali Heivilin blasted a solo home run to deep center, giving Alabama its first lead of the game at 3-2.

The Hokies began the fourth inning with a double, but a failed sacrifice bunt resulted in a fielder's choice and an out at third.

Briski maintained her composure, recording a strikeout to end the inning and strand runners. In the bottom frame, the Crimson Tide capitalized on a Hokies' fielding error to keep the inning alive. Audrey Vandagriff then delivered a sharp RBI single, making the score 4-2.

Aldridge narrowed the lead with a solo home run in the fifth (4-3). The Hokies went down in order in the sixth. Larissa Preuitt drew a two-out walk, prompting the Hokies to bring in ace Emma Lemley, who shut down the inning, keeping it a one-run game heading into the seventh.

The Hokies mounted one last push in the top of the seventh, starting with a leadoff single to put the tying base on. After a force-out at second and a fielder's choice, Duchscherer got the second out. With two outs, the Hokies were granted an intentional walk to set up a force play - but the Crimson Tide stood tall.

A routine play sealed the deal 4-3 victory for the Crimson Tide. They will take the field at Rhoads Stadium one last time this season at 1 p.m. CT on Sunday.