NCAA Softball Tournament: Super Regional – Alabama vs LSU Preview

The Alabama Crimson Tide and LSU Tigers will meet in the NCAA Softball Super Regional, with the first game scheduled for May 22 at 6 PM CT on ESPN2. The series continues May 23 at 2 PM CT on ESPN, with a potential third game on May 24 if needed. All games will stream on ESPN+. Coverage will feature Eric Frede on play-by-play and former Tennessee player Madison Shipman as color commentator, though weather forecasts predict rain throughout the weekend, which could impact game times. LSU enters the matchup with a 40-17 overall record and a 13-11 SEC record, finishing sixth in conference team ERA at 2.65 but struggling against SEC pitching (3.47 ERA). The Tigers’ pitching rotation is anchored by sophomore Jayden Heavener (13-8, 2.75 ERA), who has pitched multiple times in series and delivered complete-game wins in their Regional sweep. Transfers Cece Cellura (9-5, 3.12 ERA) and Paytn Monticelli (9-3, 2.40 ERA) round out the staff, though Cellura has shown limited success against SEC opponents. Offensively, LSU’s lineup features shortstop Kylee Edwards, a transfer from Mississippi State hitting .349 with 10 home runs and 40 RBIs while striking out just 10 times. Center fielder Jalia Lassiter leads the team with a .348 batting average, nine home runs, and 40 RBIs, while first baseman Tori Edwards leads in home runs (12) and RBIs (44) despite a .287 average. The team ranks sixth in SEC batting average (.282) and slugging (.468) against conference pitching but scores the fourth-most runs per game (5.6) in the SEC. LSU’s defense ranks mid-tier in the conference with a .976 fielding percentage. Head coach Beth Torina, in her 15th season, has led the Tigers to four Women’s College World Series appearances but none since 2017. The team has never missed the postseason or posted a losing SEC record under her guidance. Alabama will look to capitalize on LSU’s inconsistent pitching and defensive struggles, particularly against SEC opponents. The Crimson Tide swept LSU earlier in the season, and the Super Regional will determine which team advances to the Women’s College World Series. Weather remains a wildcard, with rain expected to potentially disrupt the schedule.