Alabama Softball's 2026 Season Comes To An End Following WCWS

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla.- Alabama Softball's 2026 season came to an end last night. The Crimson Tide lost in the semifinal round of the WCWS, falling twice to Texas Tech by scores of 5-4 and 2-0.

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Despite the season ending one win shy of the Women’s College World Series championship series, the Alabama Crimson Tide put together one of the most successful years in program history. Alabama finished the 2026 campaign with a 56-9 overall record, marking the program’s most wins since 2019 and its highest winning percentage since 2012. The Crimson Tide made its 16th Women’s College World Series appearance and advanced to the semifinals for the eighth time in school history.

Offensively, Alabama powered its way through the season with 102 home runs, the second-highest total in program history and just the second time the program has surpassed the 100-homer mark. Brooke Wells and Alexis Pupillo were key contributors to that success, both finishing among the top five in Alabama history in home runs and slugging percentage. Wells ended the season with 24 home runs, the third-most in program history, while her .844 slugging percentage ranked second all-time. Pupillo added 20 home runs, fifth-most in school history, alongside a .775 slugging percentage that also ranked fifth.

The Crimson Tide pitching staff was equally dominant throughout the season, posting some of the best numbers in program history. Alabama recorded 26 shutouts, the second-most ever by the program, while holding opponents to a .174 batting average, the third-best mark in school history. The staff also allowed just 104 runs all season, the fourth-fewest in Alabama history.

Head Coach Patrick Murphy gave an opening statement following the season-ending loss.

I know you got your money's worth with two doubleheaders today. Unfortunately, it didn't go our way, but I told the team in the locker room I was very proud of everybody. They represented the school, themselves and our state so very well all year from August 20th to June 1st. I couldn't have asked for a better group. I think you guys saw that they played with joy and love for each other and they were filled with mudita, and that's exactly what I hope for.

In Game One of the Women’s College World Series semifinal matchup against Texas Tech, Alabama struck first in the second inning when Marlie Giles scored on a sacrifice fly from Audrey Vandagriff. Texas Tech answered with an RBI double from Hailey Toney before Lauren Allred gave the Red Raiders the lead with a solo home run in the third inning. Giles responded with a leadoff homer in the fourth to tie the game at 2-2. Texas Tech regained control in the fifth on a two-run homer from Taylor Pannell, but Alabama battled back in the seventh as Jena Young launched a game-tying two-run home run to right field. However, Mia Williams delivered a walk-off solo homer in the bottom of the seventh to secure the 5-4 victory for Texas Tech.

In Game Two, Alabama found itself in another tightly contested battle. Texas Tech took the lead in the fourth inning when Jasmyn Burns opened the inning with a solo home run. The Red Raiders added an insurance run in the seventh following a hit and an Alabama error, ultimately defeating the Crimson Tide 2-0 and ending Alabama’s season in Oklahoma City.

Texas Tech and Texas will face off once again for the National Championship Series. Last year, the Longhorns did just enough to defeat the Red Raiders. This year's matchup will be a treat to watch.

Chase Brumfield is the morning producer and writer for Tide 100.9. He is a recent graduate from Mississippi State University as a Communications Major. Follow Chase for more Alabama content on X at @cb3864.