Alabama Softball Set to Host Crimson Classic
2/17/2005 12:00:00 AM | Softball
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» Crimson Classic Tournament Page
After capturing the Houston Hilton Plaza Cougar Invitational last weekend, the 6th ranked (NFCA/USA Today) University of Alabama softball team (11-0) returns home to the friendly confines of the UA Softball Complex to play host to the Missouri Tigers, Penn State Nittany Lions and the Maryland Terrapins in the 2005 Crimson Classic.
The Crimson Tide has an all-time record of 10-4 in the Crimson Classic, but is on a four game losing streak in the event having lost its final four games in the 2003 tournament, two of which were to Penn State. Alabama did not host the Classic in 2004.
The Classic has met with some hard times in the past, most of which have been due to weather. Twice Bama has managed to only play two games in the tournament because of rain (2001 & 2002).
Alabama, whose 11-0 start is the second best start in school history, will be looking to Stephanie VanBrakle to continue her dominance from the circle. The reigning SEC Pitcher of the Week has a 5-0 record, a 0.23 ERA and a 10-to-1 strikeout to walk ratio, having fanned 50 batters in 31 innings pitched while walking only five.
Offensively the Tide is hoping its power surge continues after hitting four home runs in its last game against Houston.
Missouri comes into the event with a 4-0 record after winning the Seminole Classic last weekend in Tallahassee, Fla. including back to back victories over then No. 10 Florida State. Maryland and Penn State are opening their 2005 campaigns this weekend.
First pitch Friday morning is set for 11:00 a.m. with Maryland taking on Missouri. Alabama's first game of the Crimson Classic is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. Friday afternoon against Maryland. The Tide will face Penn State in the final game of the day at 6:30.
Live stats for the Crimson Classic can be followed at www.rolltide.com.
Friday, Feb. 18—Session I
11 a.m. Maryland (H, 1st base) vs. Missouri (3rd base)
1:30 p.m. Missouri (H, 3rd base) vs. Penn State (1st base)
4 p.m. Alabama (H, 3rd base) vs. Maryland (1st base)
6:30 p.m. Alabama (3rd base) vs. Penn State (H, 1st base)
Saturday, Feb. 19—Session II
11 a.m. Penn State (1st base) vs. Maryland (3rd base)
1:30 p.m. Alabama (3rd base) vs. Missouri (1st base)
4 p.m. Seed #1 vs. Seed #4
6:30 p.m. Seed #2 vs. Seed #3
Sunday, Feb. 20—Session III
11 a.m. Consolation
1:30 p.m. Championship
