As the sun sets on the 2025 college softball regular season, the Alabama Crimson Tide is preparing for one of its most pivotal weekends yet. With postseason positioning on the line, Alabama will travel to Columbia, South Carolina, for a three-game series against the surging South Carolina Gamecocks. The series, which begins Thursday and concludes Saturday, is not just another SEC showdown—it’s a battle that could define the postseason trajectory for both programs.
High Stakes in Columbia
The Alabama Crimson Tide (35-18, 11-10 SEC) enter the series ranked No. 19 nationally and tied with South Carolina (37-13, 11-10 SEC) for sixth in the SEC standings. The importance of this series cannot be overstated. With both teams seeking to improve their seeding ahead of the SEC Tournament and aiming for a potential top-16 seed in the NCAA Tournament—thus earning hosting rights for regionals—the pressure is sky-high.
For Alabama head coach Patrick Murphy, who’s led the program since 1999, it’s yet another high-leverage opportunity to test a team that has endured injuries, inconsistency, and late-season surges. “These are the kinds of series you live for,” Murphy said earlier this week. “You find out what you’re made of when every pitch matters.”
South Carolina, under first-year head coach Ashley Chastain Woodard, has been one of the surprise stories of the 2025 season. After being picked to finish in the lower half of the SEC preseason poll, the Gamecocks have exceeded expectations. Led by a dangerous lineup and improved pitching depth, the Gamecocks are firmly in the conversation for a top-10 national RPI finish, entering the final weekend at No. 8.
Recent Form Favors Momentum
Alabama heads into the series riding a wave of momentum after sweeping Missouri in Tuscaloosa. The Tide looked sharp on both sides of the ball, scoring timely runs while showing poise on defense. It was the first time Alabama swept an SEC series all season and served as a confidence booster for a team that struggled to find consistency during the middle stretch of conference play.
“I think we’re peaking at the right time,” said Alabama infielder Brooke Ellestad. “There’s always been belief in our locker room, but now you’re starting to see it translate to the field. That’s dangerous for anybody we play.”
Ellestad has been one of Alabama’s most consistent bats, leading the team in RBIs (44) and emerging as a vocal leader. Meanwhile, sophomore slugger Kali Heivilin has provided pop in the order with a team-high 13 home runs. Together, they form the heart of a lineup that has seen improved production in recent weeks.
The Gamecocks, meanwhile, have had their own statement moments, including wins over Florida, Arkansas, and Auburn. Star outfielder Quincee Lilio has become a catalyst for the offense, batting .386 and setting the tone atop the order. Power-hitting first baseman Arianna Rodi has been the Gamecocks’ main threat, slugging 14 home runs and driving in 46 runs.
“South Carolina plays with a chip on their shoulder, and you can see it in how aggressive they are,” Murphy said. “They’re going to challenge you every inning.”
A Clash of Pitching Strengths
The Alabama pitching staff has been a blend of youthful promise and seasoned grit. Freshman Jocelyn Briski has emerged as the team’s most reliable arm, compiling a 14-5 record with a 2.48 ERA and 97 strikeouts. She’s often shouldered the responsibility of high-pressure games, and her poise has drawn praise from teammates and coaches alike.
Veteran Montana Fouts’ absence due to injury has forced the staff to adapt, with junior Alex Salter and sophomore Lauren Esman stepping into more prominent roles. Their ability to contribute meaningful innings will be critical against a Gamecocks offense that ranks among the top in slugging percentage in the SEC.
South Carolina, too, boasts a potent pitching combo in Jori Heard and Sam Gress. Heard, a hard-throwing right-hander, leads the team with 15 wins and nearly 100 strikeouts. Gress, a transfer from NC State, has solidified her role as a dependable second starter with a 2.66 ERA across 18 appearances.
The matchup between Briski and Heard on Thursday night could set the tone for the entire weekend.
Alabama’s Defensive Excellence
While Alabama’s offense has had its ups and downs, the defense has been elite. The Tide recently broke the program record for double plays turned in a season, with 28. Murphy’s squads have long prided themselves on defensive fundamentals, and this year is no different.
Shortstop Kenleigh Cahalan and second baseman Ashley Prange have developed exceptional chemistry up the middle, while outfielder Larissa Preuitt has made highlight-reel catches in center. Against a team like South Carolina that pressures defenses with aggressive baserunning and situational hitting, Alabama’s defense will need to be sharp.
“We talk every day about being where your feet are,” Cahalan said. “Focus on one out, one pitch, one moment. If we keep that mindset, we’ll be fine.”
Series Schedule and Broadcast Information
- Game 1: Thursday, May 1 – 6:00 p.m. ET (SEC Network+)
- Game 2: Friday, May 2 – 6:00 p.m. ET (SEC Network+)
- Game 3: Saturday, May 3 – 12:00 p.m. ET (SEC Network)
The series finale on Saturday will be nationally televised, offering fans around the country a chance to witness what could be a postseason preview between two top-20 teams.
Radio coverage for all three games will be available via the Crimson Tide Sports Network, with Tom Canterbury on the call. Alabama fans can tune in locally on 100.1 FM in Tuscaloosa.
SEC Tournament Outlook
The SEC Tournament looms just beyond the horizon, and the seeding implications from this series are enormous. The top four seeds in the tournament receive a valuable first-round bye. At 11-10 in conference play, Alabama and South Carolina are currently projected to be in the 5-7 seed range depending on how other SEC teams finish.
Winning the series would likely vault the victor into the top five, especially if combined with losses from teams like Georgia or LSU. Hosting rights for the NCAA Tournament are also up for grabs, as both teams sit on the bubble for top-16 seeding.
“We’re treating this like it’s the start of the postseason,” Murphy said. “You want to go into Hoover (site of the SEC Tournament) with confidence and rhythm, and this is the opportunity to build that.”
Keys to the Series
- Pitching Execution – Briski and Heard will have to locate well and avoid the long ball. Walks and errors could turn close games into trouble fast.
- Situational Hitting – Both teams have struggled at times with runners in scoring position. Clutch two-out hits could make the difference.
- Defensive Sharpness – Double plays, pick-offs, and avoiding mental mistakes will be vital, especially in what’s expected to be low-scoring games.
- Home Crowd Factor – South Carolina is 20-3 at home this season. Alabama will need to weather the Gamecocks’ energy and punch back early in games.
Final Thoughts
This Alabama–South Carolina series has all the ingredients for drama: closely matched teams, high stakes, elite individual talent, and postseason implications. Whether it’s Ellestad driving in runs, Briski shutting down a rally, or Lilio setting the table for South Carolina, expect big-time performances.
Both teams are battle-tested, well-coached, and hungry for more. As the curtain closes on the regular season, Alabama’s trip to Columbia is less a conclusion and more a beginning—a springboard into the madness of May softball.
Whichever team emerges with the series win will carry momentum, national respect, and a stronger résumé into the postseason. For Alabama, the message is clear: finish strong, and the road ahead could be paved with home-field advantage and championship dreams.