Two Alabama Softball Players’ Performances Against OU Earn Them SEC Honors
The Alabama Crimson Tide softball team took center stage this past weekend in a riveting three-game series against the top-ranked Oklahoma Sooners, and despite the monumental challenge, two players emerged as breakout stars — earning SEC honors for their phenomenal performances. In a showdown that could easily be mistaken for a Women’s College World Series preview, Alabama didn’t just show up — they roared. And leading the charge were standout pitcher Jaala Torrence and dynamic slugger Kenleigh Cahalan, both of whom were rewarded for their efforts with prestigious Southeastern Conference weekly honors.
Torrence was named SEC Pitcher of the Week, while Cahalan earned SEC Player of the Week, a rare and impressive dual recognition that shines a bright spotlight on Alabama’s championship aspirations. Their performances were not just stat-sheet stuffers — they were defining, gutsy, and emblematic of the Crimson Tide’s grit and tenacity under head coach Patrick Murphy.
Let’s dive into what made these performances special, how they unfolded against the dynastic Sooners, and what it means for Alabama moving forward in the 2025 season.
Jaala Torrence: Rising to the Occasion in the Circle
Coming into the season, senior right-hander Jaala Torrence was expected to play a critical role in Alabama’s rotation. But few could’ve predicted the level of dominance she’d display against the best team in the nation.
Torrence entered the series with solid numbers, but her performance against Oklahoma was transcendent. In Game 2 of the series, with Alabama looking to even things up after a hard-fought 4-3 loss in Game 1, Torrence delivered one of the most memorable outings of her career. She pitched a complete game shutout, silencing a Sooners lineup that had been averaging more than 7.5 runs per game.
Over seven innings, she allowed just three hits, struck out eight, and issued only one walk, leading the Tide to a stunning 2-0 victory that snapped Oklahoma’s 15-game winning streak. Torrence painted the corners with her fastball, mixed in off-speed junk that kept the Sooners guessing, and perhaps most impressively, she worked out of a bases-loaded jam in the fifth with back-to-back strikeouts.
It was a veteran performance in every sense of the word.
“Jaala pitched her heart out,” Coach Murphy said postgame. “She didn’t flinch. That’s not just a win — that’s a statement. She had command, confidence, and composure. That’s what it takes to beat a team like Oklahoma.”
Her dominance against OU earned her SEC Pitcher of the Week honors — the first of her career — and placed her firmly in the national spotlight. Torrence’s ERA now sits at a sterling 1.94, with opponents batting just .188 against her. Her growth this season has been steady, but this latest outing may well be her arrival as a true ace.
Kenleigh Cahalan: Clutch Hitter, Relentless Competitor
While Torrence was dealing in the circle, sophomore infielder Kenleigh Cahalan was making her own mark with the bat — and in big moments. Cahalan, who has been Alabama’s most consistent offensive weapon this season, took her game to another level against the Sooners.
In the three-game set, Cahalan went 6-for-10, with two home runs, five RBIs, and four runs scored. She reached base in eight of her 12 plate appearances, showcasing a mature approach at the plate and uncanny timing.
The highlight? A towering two-run home run in Game 3, which gave Alabama a 3-2 lead in the sixth inning — a moment that electrified Rhoads Stadium and had the home crowd believing in an upset. Though the Sooners would rally late to win the finale 5-4, Cahalan’s impact was undeniable.
What separates Cahalan is her plate discipline and ability to handle pressure. Against a deep and elite OU pitching staff, she never looked overwhelmed. In fact, she seemed to thrive. She drove in runs in all three games and added a pair of doubles that sparked key rallies.
“Kenleigh is fearless,” Murphy said. “She’s the kind of player who lives for these moments. When you’re facing Oklahoma, you need someone who won’t back down — and that’s her. She’s a tone-setter.”
The SEC recognized her efforts with the Player of the Week nod — her second such honor this season and a further indication that she’s emerging as one of the conference’s premier hitters.
Cahalan is now slashing .386/.472/.645 on the year, with 8 HRs and 34 RBIs, all while playing stellar defense at shortstop. Her leadership and production are shaping the DNA of this Alabama squad.
Team Impact: Confidence, Chemistry, and Championship Vibes
The significance of Alabama’s showing against Oklahoma goes beyond the box score. This was a program that had been looking for a signature moment in the 2025 season — something to rally around, something to define its identity.
Taking one game — and nearly a second — from the three-time defending national champions does just that.
The performances from Torrence and Cahalan gave Alabama fans something to dream about. It showed that this team isn’t just a good SEC team — it’s a legitimate national contender.
Alabama now sits at 32-10 (10-5 SEC) and holds the No. 5 spot in the latest national rankings. The Oklahoma series proved they can hang with — and even beat — the very best.
“We’re building,” said Murphy. “We’re a team that’s learning how to win in every way. From the circle, from the plate, from defense. It’s all starting to click.”
Behind the Scenes: What Drives These Stars
Both Torrence and Cahalan are known not just for their talent, but their work ethic and dedication. Teammates rave about their leadership, and coaches say they’re the first in the weight room and the last out of the cages.
For Torrence, her breakout is the product of patience and persistence. She’s waited her turn behind some great Alabama pitchers and has steadily developed her command and confidence.
“She’s put in the work,” said pitching coach Stephanie VanBrakle Prothro. “She didn’t let setbacks define her. And now she’s shining.”
Cahalan, meanwhile, was a highly touted recruit out of Alabama and has lived up to every expectation. But she’s also grown tremendously in her second year — both as a hitter and as a vocal team leader.
“Kenleigh studies the game,” hitting coach Lance McMahon said. “She doesn’t just want to get hits — she wants to understand why. That’s what makes her elite.”
Looking Ahead: Can Bama Ride the Wave?
With less than a month remaining in the regular season, Alabama has a clear path to the SEC Tournament and likely a top-eight national seed if they continue at this pace. The schedule doesn’t ease up, though. Upcoming series against Florida and LSU will test the Tide’s depth and resilience.
But what this team gained over the Oklahoma series — belief, swagger, and momentum — could be the secret sauce to a deep postseason run.
If Torrence continues pitching like she did in Game 2 and Cahalan keeps swinging a hot bat, Alabama becomes a nightmare matchup for anyone in the NCAA Tournament.
Legacy in the Making
In a sport often defined by its blue bloods — Oklahoma, UCLA, Florida, Arizona — Alabama continues to carve its own tradition of excellence. The Crimson Tide, under Murphy, has long been a powerhouse, with multiple WCWS appearances and the 2012 national title.
But this current group is writing its own story. And the performances from Torrence and Cahalan could go down as pivotal chapters.
To stand toe-to-toe with Oklahoma and come out with a win — and nearly two — speaks volumes about the heart and hunger of this team. And for Torrence and Cahalan, this past weekend was about more than just SEC honors.
It was about putting the country on notice: Alabama is for real.
Final Thoughts
The SEC is a gauntlet. Every series feels like a heavyweight bout. But if there was ever a moment that crystallized Alabama’s potential, it was this series against Oklahoma.
Jaala Torrence didn’t just pitch — she etched her name in program lore with a performance for the ages. Kenleigh Cahalan didn’t just rake — she swung the bat like a future All-American.
Together, they powered Alabama to one of the biggest wins of the season in all of college softball. And in doing so, they earned much more than weekly conference honors