Fri May 23 22:30:00 UTC 2025: **News Article:**

**Crimson Tide Faceoff Against Sooners for WCWS Berth**

**NORMAN, OK –** The Alabama Crimson Tide (40-21) will travel to Norman, Oklahoma, to battle the top-seeded Sooners (48-7) in a Super Regional showdown, a best-of-three series with a coveted spot in the Women’s College World Series (WCWS) on the line. This marks Alabama’s first-ever trip to Norman for postseason play, setting the stage for a high-stakes matchup against a familiar foe.

The Crimson Tide will rely on the spark provided by Second Team All-American and Freshman All-American, Audrey Vandagriff (.406 BA, .507 OB%, 51 R, 50 SB). Vandagriff is also a finalist for the NCFA Freshman of the Year award.

The series schedule is as follows:

* **Game 1:** Friday, May 23, 4 p.m. CT/5 p.m. ET on ESPN2
* **Game 2:** Saturday, May 24, 2 p.m. CT/3 p.m. ET – TV TBA
* **Game 3:** (if necessary) Sunday, May 25, Time & TV TBA

Eric Frede and Madison Shipman will be on the call.

Despite the Sooners’ dominant record, Alabama has proven to be a challenging opponent, securing two of their seven losses this season. The Crimson Tide holds a 10-7 all-time series advantage, including wins in the 2012 WCWS.

Oklahoma’s pitching staff is anchored by senior Sam Landry (22-4, 2.00 ERA), known for her low-70s MPH fastball and effective changeup. However, the rest of the staff has struggled with higher ERAs. Landry has whiffed 165 and walked 49 this season.

In their previous series this season, Alabama managed to limit Oklahoma’s offensive production. Key Sooner hitters like Kasidi Pickering, Ella Parker, and Gabbie Garcia struggled against the Crimson Tide pitching. As a team, Oklahoma hit only .190 against Alabama.

While Oklahoma boasts a strong defense, ranked tenth nationally in fielding percentage, Alabama has been playing improved softball recently, with stellar defense, improved pitching, and a timely offense.

The winner of this Super Regional will advance to the Women’s College World Series in Oklahoma City, OK, from May 29 – June 6.

**Transfer Portal News:**

In other softball news, LSU star pitcher Sydney Berzon has entered the transfer portal. Berzon owns a career 2.02 ERA with 52 wins and 416 strikeouts. D-I’s top strikeout thrower, Maya Johnson (24-6, 1.52 ERA, 366 K) of Belmont has also entered the portal.

Two Super Regional series got underway on Thursday and both had the lower-seed road team winning.

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