Tide Defeats Auburn to Reach SEC Tourney Semifinals
5/13/2005 12:00:00 AM | Softball
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GAINESVILLE, FLA—The ninth ranked Crimson Tide (55-12) scored four early runs and held off an Auburn charge to claim a 9-5 win over the 18th ranked Auburn Tigers (48-15) and advance to the semifinals of the 2005 SEC Tournament.
Alabama drew first blood, erupting for four runs in the bottom of the second inning. Dani Woods (FR, Cockeysville, Md.) reached on a one-out error by Auburn second baseman Lolani Alvarez and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Leah White (Grayson, Ga.) delivered a two-out single into left field scoring Woods for a 1-0 Bama lead. Jackie Wilkins (SR, Miami, Fla.) singled down the left field line advancing White to second. Jordan Praytor (FR, Vancouver, Wash.) followed with a single up the middle scoring White and advancing Wilkins to third while she went to second on the throw home. Ashley Courtney (SR, Vero Beach, Fla.) singled to left centerfield scoring Wilkins and Praytor for a 4-0 Alabama lead.
The Crimson Tide added to its lead in the fifth on a Staci Ramsey (JR, Houston, Texas) bouncer back up the middle scoring Praytor and Courtney pushing the Alabama lead to 6-0.
Auburn mounted a rally in the top of the sixth scoring four runs on three hits and two walks, cutting the Alabama lead to 6-4.
Alabama answered in the bottom of the sixth getting three runs back and pushing its lead back to 9-4, before claiming a 9-5 victory.
"What I've been trying to get across to them is it doesn't have to be (pitch for pitch and at-bat for at-bat). The biggest difference right now is we have a couple people playing with confidence right now," said Alabama head coach Patrick Murphy. "If we can stay on an even keel we can be an explosive team."
Stephanie VanBrakle (JR, Chambersburg, Pa.) collected the win, pushing her record to 28-5. She allowed four runs on five hits while striking out eight batters. Chrissy Owens (FR, Miami, Fla.) came on in relief of VanBrakle throwing the final 1 1/3 innings allowing one unearned run while picking up her 11th save of the season.
"I'm just ready for whenever they call me," said Owens of her opportunity to be thrown into the mix.
Alabama advances to the semifinals which will be played on Saturday at 5:00 p.m. ET and could take on either Tennessee, Georgia or Mississippi State. Fans can follow all the action on http://www.rolltide.com/ where live stats and audio will be available. In the Tuscaloosa area, fans can tune into WVUA 90.7 FM where Chad Anderson will call all the balls and strikes.
Game Notes:
--Alabama played its 600th all-time game.
--Jackie Wilkins moved to fourth on the UA all-time stolen base list (46).
--Leah White recorded career high 22nd RBI of the season.
--Alabama and Auburn have met in each of the last five SEC Tournaments.
--Ashley Courtney recorded her career 42nd RBI of the season.
--Stephanie VanBrakle recorded her 700th career strikeout.
--Bama records second double-digit hit game of SEC Tournament for the first time since 1998 tournament.
--Bama records highest hit total in UA history in a SEC Tournament game with 13.
--Alabama is 4-1 all-time against Auburn in the SEC Tournament and has won four in a row over the Tigers.
PHOTO GALLERY
(Photos by Jeff Hanson)
Staci Ramsey and Ashley Courtney give "low fives".
Jordan Praytor lays down the bunt.
Jackie Wilkins gets her lead off of second base.
Stephanie VanBrakle gets five from Staci Ramsey.
Stephanie VanBrakle winds up to pitch.
Dani Woods gets congratulations from her teammates.
Leah White gets her lead off of first base.
Coach Patrick Murphy chats with Dani Woods.
Coach Murphy waves the runner around.
Stephanie VanBrakle and Jordan Praytor at home plate.
Ashley Courtney crosses home plate.
Chrissy Owens delivers her pitch.
Coach Alyson Habetz congratulates her players.
Staci Ramsey, Chrissy Owens, and Ashley Courtney meet the media after the game.
