Alabama Softball Dominates UAB with Efficient Pitching and Hitting

The No. 7 Crimson Tide run-ruled UAB 8-0 in just five innings.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The No. 7 Alabama softball team defeated UAB 8-0 in five innings on Tuesday, showcasing dominant pitching and timely hitting. Junior pitcher Jocelyn Briski and freshman reliever Kaitlyn Pallozzi combined to throw just 57 pitches, with 48 of them being strikes. Freshman Ambrey Taylor delivered the game-ending 2-RBI double in the bottom of the fifth inning, while Salen Hawkins hit a 3-run home run to break the game open.

Why it matters

Alabama's efficient performance on the mound and at the plate highlights the team's depth and ability to quickly dispatch opponents, an important trait as they look to make a deep postseason run. The run-rule victory also allowed the Crimson Tide to rest their starters ahead of their next non-conference matchup.

The details

Briski, who is working her way back from a leg injury, threw just 7 balls compared to 40 strikes over 4 innings. Freshman Ambrey Taylor delivered the game-ending 2-RBI double in the bottom of the fifth, while Salen Hawkins hit a 3-run home run to break the game open in the third inning. The entire game was completed in just 1 hour and 15 minutes.

  • The game was played on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.
  • Alabama will have one more non-conference game on Friday, February 27, 2026 against St. Thomas.

The players

Jocelyn Briski

A junior pitcher for Alabama who is working her way back from a leg injury.

Kaitlyn Pallozzi

A freshman relief pitcher for Alabama.

Ambrey Taylor

A freshman who delivered the game-ending 2-RBI double for Alabama.

Salen Hawkins

An Alabama player who hit a 3-run home run to break the game open.

Patrick Murphy

The head coach of the Alabama softball team.

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What they’re saying

“We were thinking maybe three innings, and then when she hardly threw any pitches, she got another one. The other night at Florida State, it was just amazing to watch. And she threw good pitches today, they were moving. Almost every pitch that Lance called, she hit what she was supposed to, just very efficient.”

— Patrick Murphy, Head Coach

“That was the biggest hit of her career so far. With two outs, I went up, and I said, 'I'm sending Mari, so just get it in the gap, and you can end the game right now, and we'll go celebrate with you.”

— Patrick Murphy, Head Coach

“I just was looking for my pitch, trying a new type of batting stance and being strong with my hands. Just hoping that I hit the ball well, strike it where I see it, not overthinking it.”

— Salen Hawkins

What’s next

Alabama will have one more non-conference game on Friday, February 27, 2026 against St. Thomas.

The takeaway

Alabama's dominant performance showcased the team's depth and ability to quickly dispatch opponents, an important trait as they look to make a deep postseason run. The efficient pitching and timely hitting allowed the Crimson Tide to rest their starters ahead of their next non-conference matchup.