Alabama Softball Sweeps Doubleheader with Back-to-Back Run-Rule Wins

The No. 8 Crimson Tide dominated Liberty and Purdue, earning two 8-0 shutout victories in five innings.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Alabama softball swept Saturday's Easton Bama Bash doubleheader at Rhoads Stadium, run-ruling Liberty and Purdue by identical 8-0 scores in five innings. The Crimson Tide leaned on dominant pitching and timely hitting to record back-to-back shutouts, with freshman Vic Moten and junior Jocelyn Briski leading the way in the circle.

Why it matters

The dominant performances showcase the depth and talent of Alabama's pitching staff, which will be crucial as the Crimson Tide look to compete for a national championship this season. The run-rule victories also highlight the team's offensive firepower and ability to capitalize on opportunities.

The details

In the opener against Liberty, Moten allowed just one hit and struck out five across 19 batters faced. Alabama broke through in the second inning, with Audrey Vandagriff driving in the first run and Brooke Wells following with a two-run double. Vandagriff then delivered the finishing blow with a walk-off grand slam in the fifth inning. Against Purdue, Briski struck out the first six batters she faced before Kaitlyn Pallozzi entered in relief. Alexis Pupillo provided the decisive blow with a two-run home run in the fourth inning as Alabama blew the game open.

  • The doubleheader sweep occurred on Saturday, February 14, 2026.
  • The Crimson Tide will wrap up hosting its early-season tournament on Sunday, February 15, 2026 at 12:30 p.m. CT against Georgia Southern.

The players

Vic Moten

A freshman right-handed pitcher for Alabama who set the tone in the opener against Liberty, allowing just one hit and striking out five.

Patrick Murphy

The head coach of the Alabama softball team, who credited Moten's competitiveness for her strong start to her collegiate career.

Audrey Vandagriff

A sophomore outfielder for Alabama who delivered the finishing blow in the opener with a walk-off grand slam in the fifth inning.

Jocelyn Briski

A junior pitcher for Alabama who struck out the first six batters she faced in the afternoon game against Purdue.

Alexis Pupillo

A senior outfielder for Alabama who crushed a two-run home run in the fourth inning to blow the game open against Purdue.

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What they’re saying

“She's just very competitive as a freshman. If she stays within the zone, I think she's very, very difficult to hit.”

— Patrick Murphy, Head Coach (si.com)

“I was just sitting hard and away. She gave it to me, and I was lucky enough to get a good swing on it.”

— Audrey Vandagriff (si.com)

“Number one, it's very difficult to shut anybody out. Just to throw a shutout for two straight games is a feat.”

— Patrick Murphy, Head Coach (si.com)

“I felt so loved. I'm just so grateful for this place.”

— Alexis Pupillo (si.com)

What’s next

The Crimson Tide will wrap up hosting its early-season tournament on Sunday, February 15, 2026 at 12:30 p.m. CT against Georgia Southern.

The takeaway

Alabama's dominant pitching performances and timely hitting in the doubleheader sweep showcase the team's depth and talent, which will be crucial as they look to compete for a national championship this season.