Who will play Alabama softball in the Tuscaloosa regional of the NCAA Tournament
The 2025 NCAA Division I Softball Championship has set the stage for an exciting Tuscaloosa Regional, with the University of Alabama hosting as the No. 15 national seed. The Crimson Tide will welcome Virginia Tech, Belmont, and Jackson State to Rhoads Stadium from May 16 to 18. This regional promises competitive matchups, as each team brings unique strengths and storylines to the tournament.
Alabama (37–21) enters the tournament with a storied history, marking its 26th consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance and 20th straight opportunity to host a regional. Under the leadership of head coach Patrick Murphy, the Crimson Tide has become a perennial powerhouse in college softball.(Alabama Athletics)
The 2025 season presented challenges for Alabama, finishing 10th in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) with a 12–12 conference record. Despite this, the team secured the No. 15 national seed, demonstrating resilience and a strong overall performance. Key victories over top-ranked teams, including wins against Texas A&M, Oklahoma, and Florida, highlight the team’s potential to compete at the highest level.(SI)
- Audrey Vandagriff: The freshman standout earned All-SEC First Team honors, showcasing exceptional talent and contributing significantly to the team’s success.
- Kali Heivilin: Recognized on the All-SEC Second Team, Heivilin’s consistent performance has been instrumental in Alabama’s offensive lineup.
The team’s depth and experience, combined with home-field advantage at Rhoads Stadium, position Alabama as a formidable contender in the regional.
Virginia Tech (41–11) arrives in Tuscaloosa as the No. 2 seed in the regional, marking its sixth consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance under head coach Pete D’Amour. The Hokies have demonstrated consistent excellence, with a strong regular-season record and a reputation for competitive play.
The Hokies concluded the regular season with an impressive 18–6 record in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), securing a spot among the nation’s top 25 teams. Despite a narrow loss to Clemson in the ACC Tournament semifinals, Virginia Tech’s overall performance has been commendable.(Gobbler Country)
Notable Players
- Cori McMillan: Named ACC Player of the Year, McMillan’s leadership and skill have been pivotal to the Hokies’ success.(Virginia Tech Athletics)
Virginia Tech’s balanced roster and strategic gameplay make them a significant threat in the Tuscaloosa Regional.
Belmont University (40–14) enters the NCAA Tournament for the first time in program history, earning the No. 3 seed in the Tuscaloosa Regional. The Bruins clinched the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) title, showcasing their emergence as a competitive force in college softball.(Belmont University)
Season Achievements
Belmont’s historic season includes a program-record 40 wins and a dominant performance in the MVC Tournament, defeating Bradley, Northern Iowa, and Southern Illinois. The team’s success is attributed to a combination of strong pitching, solid defense, and timely hitting.(Belmont University)
- Maya Johnson: The left-handed pitcher leads the NCAA in strikeouts and has been a cornerstone of Belmont’s success. Her accolades include MVC Pitcher of the Year and MVC Tournament Most Valuable Player.(Belmont University)
Belmont’s debut in the NCAA Tournament adds an element of unpredictability to the regional, as they aim to continue their remarkable run.
Jackson State (29–23) secured its spot in the NCAA Tournament by winning the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) title. As the No. 4 seed in the Tuscaloosa Regional, the Tigers bring determination and momentum to the competition.(Belmont University)
The Tigers’ path to the NCAA Tournament was marked by resilience and strong performances in the SWAC Tournament. Their championship victory underscores the team’s capability to rise to the occasion.
While facing higher-seeded opponents, Jackson State’s tenacity and recent success position them as a potential disruptor in the regional.
The Tuscaloosa Regional follows a double-elimination format, with games scheduled as follows:
- Friday, May 16
- Game 1: Virginia Tech vs. Belmont at 2:30 p.m. CT
- Game 2: Alabama vs. Jackson State at 5:00 p.m. CT
- Saturday, May 17
- Game 3: Winner of Game 1 vs. Winner of Game 2
- Game 4: Loser of Game 1 vs. Loser of Game 2
- Game 5: Loser of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 4
- Sunday, May 18
- Game 6: Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 5
- Game 7: If necessary, a rematch between the teams in Game 6
All games will be streamed live on ESPN+, providing fans with comprehensive coverage of the regional action.
The winner of the Tuscaloosa Regional will advance to the Super Regional round, facing the winner of the Norman Regional, which includes No. 2 overall seed Oklahoma. This sets up a potential high-stakes matchup between Alabama and Oklahoma, should both teams advance.
The Super Regionals are scheduled for May 23–25, with the victors earning a coveted spot in the Women’s College World Series, commencing on May 29 in Oklahoma City.(Virginia Tech Athletics)
The Tuscaloosa Regional of the 2025 NCAA Division I Softball Championship promises thrilling competition, with each team bringing unique strengths and compelling narratives. Alabama’s legacy, Virginia Tech’s consistency, Belmont’s historic debut, and Jackson State’s championship momentum converge to create an electrifying atmosphere at Rhoads Stadium.
As the teams vie for a spot in the Super Regionals and ultimately the Women’s College World Series, fans can anticipate a showcase of elite softball, marked by passion, skill, and the pursuit of excellence.(Virginia Tech Athletics)
