Tide Softball Claims Crimson Classic Championship
3/5/2006 12:00:00 AM | Softball
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PHOTO GALLERY
The fifth-ranked Alabama softball team (15-3) rode the strong left arm of junior pitcher Blair Potter to a 6-0 victory in the Crimson Classic Championship game over the Drake Bulldogs (6-12).
Potter (2-0) threw seven innings of shutout ball, allowing only one hit while striking out four batters. It was her first complete game shutout in an Alabama uniform.
"I would feel comfortable throwing (Potter) into an SEC game," said head coach Patrick Murphy. "She has a different look, a great changeup and she's spotting well. It's good to have two choices (with her and Chrissy Owens). Today we were looking to instill confidence in Blair. We were going to let her stay in for three to four inning and then bring Steph (VanBrakle) in but Bair took care of it."
Dominique Accetturo got the Bama offense going in the bottom of the third inning when she hit her first home run of the season, a three-run shot over the left field fence spotting the Tide a 3-0 lead.
Alabama doubled its lead in the fifth beginning with a lead off single by Brittany Rogers. Rogers stole second and came around to score on a two-out double from Stephanie VanBrakle. Accetturo drew a walk and both runners came around to score when Drake second baseman Jamie Desjarlais dropped a fly ball extending the Tide lead to the final 6-0 margin.
Rogers paced the Alabama offense going 2-4 with a run scored. She also stole two bases. Accetturo finished the game 1-2 with a three-run homerun, two runs scored and a walk.
The championship was the team's third of the season having claimed the Bama Bash! title, Dunkin' Donuts Invitational championship and now the Crimson Classic.
For their efforts Jordan Praytor, Brittany Rogers, Dani Woods, Stephanie VanBrakle and Staci Ramsey were all named to the all-tournament team. Ramsey was named the tournament's MVP as she hit .438 (7-16) with two doubles, three RBI and three runs scored.
Alabama will continue its 11-game home stand on Tuesday when the Tide opens conference play, hosting the Florida Gators. The two teams will play a doubleheader on Tuesday beginning at 5:00 p.m. followed by a single game on Wednesday at 2:00 p.m.
