Alabama softball loses its second SEC series against Texas A&M and fails to hold onto leads: Key Takeaways

Alabama softball saw itself leading late twice against No. 5/6 Texas A&M but was unable to hold on, dropping its second Southeastern Conference series of the season on Sunday at Davis Diamond Stadium in College Station, Texas.

The No. RV/24 Crimson Tide dropped the series opener, 5-4, despite holding the 4-2 lead going into the sixth frame. The Crimson Tide bounced back with a 2-1 win on Saturday, fueled by a clutch Catelyn Riley home run, before dropping Sunday’s rubber match, 9-7, after leading 7-6 late, thus dropping the series, 2-1.

Here are observations and takeaways from Alabama softball (21-12, 2-4 SEC) vs. Texas A&M (26-5, 6-3 SEC).

Alabama softball gives up late leads against Texas A&M

In the series opener, Alabama saw itself leading 4-2 going into the sixth inning behind an Audrey Vandagriff two-run home run in the fifth. Texas A&M then used a three-run sixth inning behind two home runs, taking the one-run lead which held as final.

In the series finale, Alabama saw itself trailing 6-1 heading into the sixth inning, a no-out Brooke Ellestad grand slam quickly pulling it within one. A few batters later, Salen Hawkins singled through the right side, scoring Lauren Johnson and giving Alabama its first lead of the game, 7-6. Texas A&M went on to tie the game in the bottom half of the inning behind a Mac Barbara RBI, taking the lead not long after behind two walks.

Leaders from the plate, improved defense

Vandagriff went 3-for-3 with two RBIs in Friday’s series opener and stretched her NCAA-leading stolen base total to 40 with three steals. She is now tied for 10th in Alabama’s single-season history for most stolen bases.

Riley had a strong Saturday, starting in the circle and batting seventh as the designated player. She helped her own cause with a solo home run in the fourth inning, her third of the season, which proved to be the game-winner.

Ellestad led Alabama with four RBIs in the series finale powered by her grand slam, which was her sixth home run of the season. Larissa Preuitt also contributed with her second home run of the season, coming off a solo shot in the third inning. Riley led Alabama with two hits in the series finale, Ellestad, Heivilin, Hawkins and Preuitt each collecting one.