Arkansas Softball Falls to Alabama, 4-1 in Series Opener

Razorbacks' Dakota Kennedy records two hits, but Crimson Tide prevail in series opener

Mar. 14, 2026 at 2:18am

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Despite a two-hit performance from OF Dakota Kennedy, the No. 8/9 Arkansas Razorbacks fell to No. 4/6 Alabama, 4-1, during the series opener on Friday evening at Rhoads Stadium on the campus of the University of Alabama. Alabama responded with a three-run fifth inning and added an insurance run in the sixth to secure the victory.

Why it matters

This loss drops Arkansas to 22-3 overall and 2-2 in SEC play, while Alabama remains undefeated at 25-0 and 4-0 in conference. The outcome of this series could have major implications for the SEC standings and NCAA Tournament seeding.

The details

After four scoreless innings, Arkansas took a 1-0 lead in the top of the fifth inning on a sacrifice fly from Atalyia Rijo that brought home Dakota Kennedy. However, Alabama responded in the bottom of the fifth by plating three runs on a bases-clearing double from Alexis Pupillo. The Crimson Tide added an insurance run in the sixth on a sacrifice fly from Lauren Johnson.

  • The game was played on Friday, March 14, 2026.
  • The series opener took place at Rhoads Stadium on the campus of the University of Alabama.

The players

Dakota Kennedy

Arkansas outfielder who went 2-for-3 with a double and a run scored in the loss.

Robyn Herron

Arkansas pitcher who took the loss, falling to 9-2 on the season despite allowing just one earned run in 4.1 innings of work.

Jocelyn Briski

Alabama pitcher who earned the complete game win, improving to 9-0 on the season after allowing one earned run and three hits while striking out 14.

Alexis Pupillo

Alabama player who hit a bases-clearing double in the fifth inning to give the Crimson Tide a 3-1 lead.

Lauren Johnson

Alabama player who hit a sacrifice fly in the sixth inning to extend the Crimson Tide's lead to 4-1.

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What’s next

The two teams will continue their series on Saturday, March 15, 2026 at 2 p.m. CT on SEC Network+.

The takeaway

This loss drops Arkansas to 2-2 in SEC play, while Alabama remains undefeated at 4-0. The outcome of this series could have major implications for the SEC standings and NCAA Tournament seeding, making the next game a crucial one for the Razorbacks.