College Softball Roundup: Alabama, Tennessee Earn Marquee Wins

Key series finales highlighted Saturday's college softball action across the country.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 5:19am

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Saturday's college softball slate featured several marquee matchups, with Alabama, Tennessee, Virginia Tech, Kansas, and Nevada all earning wins in their respective series finales. Mississippi State forced a rubber match against Florida heading into Sunday, while out west, Elon Butler hit for the cycle and Megan Grant homered twice.

Why it matters

These results will have major implications for the national rankings and postseason positioning as the college softball season reaches its critical stretch. The victories by top-ranked teams like Alabama and Tennessee demonstrate their continued dominance, while the upsets by programs like Kansas and Nevada shake up the national landscape.

The details

In the SEC, No. 4 Alabama defeated No. 1 Texas 7-4 behind strong performances from 2B Jena Young (2-3, HR, 3 RBI) and DP Alexis Pupillo (2-3, 2B, 2 RBI). No. 11 Tennessee also earned a 4-2 win over South Carolina, with P Karlyn Pickens tossing 3.2 innings of scoreless relief. In the Big 12, Kansas upset No. 22 Arizona State 5-4, with DP Ella Boyer hitting a go-ahead 2-run homer. Out west, Nevada edged No. 24 Grand Canyon 4-3.

  • The key matchups took place on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
  • Mississippi State and Florida will play their rubber match on Sunday, April 5, 2026.

The players

Jena Young

A 2B for No. 4 Alabama who went 2-3 with a home run and 3 RBIs in the Crimson Tide's 7-4 win over No. 1 Texas.

Alexis Pupillo

A DP for No. 4 Alabama who went 2-3 with a double and 2 RBIs in the Crimson Tide's 7-4 win over No. 1 Texas.

Karlyn Pickens

A pitcher for No. 11 Tennessee who tossed 3.2 innings of scoreless relief in the Volunteers' 4-2 win over South Carolina.

Ella Boyer

A DP for Kansas who hit a go-ahead 2-run homer in the Jayhawks' 5-4 upset of No. 22 Arizona State.

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What they’re saying

“We knew this was going to be a tough series against a great Texas team, but our players stepped up and got the job done.”

— Patrick Murphy, Alabama Head Coach

“I'm really proud of the way our team battled back and found a way to win this rubber match. It was a total team effort.”

— Karen Weekly, Tennessee Head Coach

What’s next

Mississippi State and Florida will play their rubber match on Sunday, April 5, 2026, with the winner gaining a key series victory in SEC play.

The takeaway

Saturday's college softball action showcased the depth and competitiveness of the sport, with several top-ranked teams facing tough challenges but ultimately prevailing. These results will shape the national landscape as the season heads into its final stretch.