Alabama
McNeese
Softball Completes Undefeated Weekend With 4-0 Win Over McNeese
2/8/2015 12:00:00 AM | Softball
GULF SHORES, Ala. - Alabama softball wrapped up an undefeated weekend at the Sand Dollar Classic on Sunday with a 4-0 shutout over McNeese, extending the Crimson Tide's undefeated streak on opening weekend to five straight seasons.
Alabama (6-0) earned its second shutout of the season, blanking McNeese (3-2) thanks in large part to a strong start by Sydney Littlejohn (2-0), who threw 5.0 shutout innings before Leslie Jury closed it out in relief. Offensively, freshman Demi Turner led the way with a 3-3 performance with two RBI while seniors Danielle Richard and Dane Hays drove in the Tide's remaining two runs.
McNeese starter Rachel Smith (1-1) took the loss, throwing 5.0 innings before Jamie Allred came in to pitch in the sixth.
With two in scoring position in the bottom of the second, Danae Hays dropped a single into shallow left to score one. Later in the half-inning with the bases loaded, Demi Turner tacked on two more with a two-run double down the right field line as Alabama pulled ahead 3-0.
McNeese tried to answer in the top of the third, loading the bases with two away, but a popup to Leona Lafaele at first kept the Cowgirls out of the run column. McNeese had another opportunity in the fifth, but left a pair stranded in scoring position.
Turner led off the bottom of the fifth with a bunt single and a rushed throw by the catcher sailed into right field to allow the speedy freshman to advance all the way to third on the E2. Danielle Richard drove her in on a single to left to make it 4-0. Leslie Jury entered to pitch in the sixth inning and secured the shutout with two strong innings as the Tide rolled to a 4-0 victory.
For their efforts over the weekend, Sydney Littlejohn, Alexis Osorio, Haylie McCleney and Leslie Jury were named to the All-Tournament team and Demi Turner was the Tournament MVP.
Next up, Alabama heads to Birmingham, Ala., on Wednesday, Feb. 11 to face the Samford Bulldogs (4-1). First pitch is set for 6 p.m. CT.
