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By Alex Byington Sports Writer
TUSCALOOSA — So far, only Mother Nature has managed to slow down Alabama softball in 2018.
By Alex Byington Sports Writer
TUSCALOOSA — So far, only Mother Nature has managed to slow down Alabama softball in 2018.
Despite having the final two games of the Sand Dollar Classic rained out, the 10th-ranked Crimson Tide (3-0) has outscored its opposition 24-0 in three games this season.
Senior ace Alexis Osorio is once again the engine that drives much of Alabama’s success, while its budding offense should show improvement, as last season's four key freshmen have a year of experience to go along with a talented crop of newcomers.
“All four (sophomores) are totally different kids,” said coach Patrick Murphy, who enters his 20th season at the helm. “And then the freshmen came in with probably the most confidence of a group that we’ve had, and I love that because it really balances (the roster).”
With the season underway, here’s a look at several players that will factor into whether or not Alabama can improve on its fifth-place finish in SEC play from a year ago.
Key returners:
Alexis Osorio, RHP, Sr. — Alabama’s ace since she arrived on campus, Osorio enters her final season as the workhorse, knowing much of the team's success this season will ultimately rest on her shoulders. Healthy entering the season, Osorio threw a three-hit shutout in seven innings against host South Alabama in the season opener.
Bailey Hemphill, 1B, Soph. — The team's most refined hitter, Hemphill has brought consistency throughout fall and in the preseason, showing even more pop after leading the team with nine home runs and 41 RBIs as an All-SEC freshman. Through three games, Hemphill is 4 for 6 with 4 RBIs and 2 runs scored.
Elissa Brown, CF, Soph. — Sliding into the leadoff spot as a freshman last season, Brown didn’t miss a beat, showing great speed both on the base paths and in the field, and providing a reliable presence at the top of the lineup. Another All-SEC freshman from a year ago, Brown led the team with 31 stolen bases in 34 attempts and 41 runs scored.
Gabby Calloway, RF, Soph. — A part-time starter last season, Calloway’s improved bat should make her an everyday starter in her second season. Calloway already has five RBIs in three games.
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Key newcomers:
Courtney Gettins, RHP, Jr. — A New Zealand native, the junior college transfer from Florida Southwestern was a key addition as Alabama looked to restock its rotation. Following offseason losses of starters Sydney Littlejohn (graduation) and Madi Moore (injury), Gettins — nicknamed “Kiwi” — enters as the Tide’s No. 2 starter. A two-time first-team All-American, Gettings was the NJCAA Division I national pitcher of the year as a freshman and then led the nation with a 35-1 record.
Madison Preston, LHP, Fr. — The Missouri Gatorade Player of the Year, Preston led Centralia High to state championships in 2016 and 2013, including setting a program record with 29 wins in 2016. At 5-foot-11, Preston is a left-hander with a sidewinding action and nasty movement to several pitches.
Kaylee Tow, OF/DP, Fr. — Kentucky's Miss Softball, Tow earned All-American status her last three seasons where she set the state record for most hits, runs scored and walks in a season.
Alabama softball: Veteran Osorio leads talented Tide squad
By Alex Byington Sports Writer
TUSCALOOSA — So far, only Mother Nature has managed to slow down Alabama softball in 2018.
Despite having the final two games of the Sand Dollar Classic rained out, the 10th-ranked Crimson Tide (3-0) has outscored its opposition 24-0 in three games this season.
Senior ace Alexis Osorio is once again the engine that drives much of Alabama’s success, while its budding offense should show improvement, as last season's four key freshmen have a year of experience to go along with a talented crop of newcomers.
“All four (sophomores) are totally different kids,” said coach Patrick Murphy, who enters his 20th season at the helm. “And then the freshmen came in with probably the most confidence of a group that we’ve had, and I love that because it really balances (the roster).”
With the season underway, here’s a look at several players that will factor into whether or not Alabama can improve on its fifth-place finish in SEC play from a year ago.
Key returners:
Alexis Osorio, RHP, Sr. — Alabama’s ace since she arrived on campus, Osorio enters her final season as the workhorse, knowing much of the team's success this season will ultimately rest on her shoulders. Healthy entering the season, Osorio threw a three-hit shutout in seven innings against host South Alabama in the season opener.
Bailey Hemphill, 1B, Soph. — The team's most refined hitter, Hemphill has brought consistency throughout fall and in the preseason, showing even more pop after leading the team with nine home runs and 41 RBIs as an All-SEC freshman. Through three games, Hemphill is 4 for 6 with 4 RBIs and 2 runs scored.
Elissa Brown, CF, Soph. — Sliding into the leadoff spot as a freshman last season, Brown didn’t miss a beat, showing great speed both on the base paths and in the field, and providing a reliable presence at the top of the lineup. Another All-SEC freshman from a year ago, Brown led the team with 31 stolen bases in 34 attempts and 41 runs scored.
Gabby Calloway, RF, Soph. — A part-time starter last season, Calloway’s improved bat should make her an everyday starter in her second season. Calloway already has five RBIs in three games.
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Key newcomers:
Courtney Gettins, RHP, Jr. — A New Zealand native, the junior college transfer from Florida Southwestern was a key addition as Alabama looked to restock its rotation. Following offseason losses of starters Sydney Littlejohn (graduation) and Madi Moore (injury), Gettins — nicknamed “Kiwi” — enters as the Tide’s No. 2 starter. A two-time first-team All-American, Gettings was the NJCAA Division I national pitcher of the year as a freshman and then led the nation with a 35-1 record.
Madison Preston, LHP, Fr. — The Missouri Gatorade Player of the Year, Preston led Centralia High to state championships in 2016 and 2013, including setting a program record with 29 wins in 2016. At 5-foot-11, Preston is a left-hander with a sidewinding action and nasty movement to several pitches.
Kaylee Tow, OF/DP, Fr. — Kentucky's Miss Softball, Tow earned All-American status her last three seasons where she set the state record for most hits, runs scored and walks in a season.
Alabama softball: Veteran Osorio leads talented Tide squad
