The Extra Point: Expectations for Alabama Softball's Season Opener

Team 27 opens play for the 2023 season on Friday afternoon.

After the 2022 season ended short of Alabama softball fans' typical expectations, the Crimson Tide is looking to rebound in a big way in the 2023 season.

Last year's team finished with an overall record of 44-13, but fell in the NCAA Regionals after being eliminated by Stanford in the regional's winner-take-all game. The offseason then saw a mass exodus through the transfer portal, with six scholarship players deciding to spend there future careers away from Tuscaloosa.

Head coach Patrick Murphy worked hard retooling the roster, and brought in three transfers to go along with a stacked freshman class featuring five of the most talented players in the country. Additionally, the Crimson Tide will return much of its core from a year ago, most notably star pitcher Montana Fouts. 

Fouts will use her fifth and final year of eligibility, along with catcher Ally Shipman and third baseman Ashley Prange, who both joined the Crimson Tide via the transfer portal a year ago.

Alabama also returns lineup mainstays Bailey Dowling and Jenna Johnson to round out a strong returning nucleus.

Alabama will open its season in the Leadoff Classic, hosting the multi-team event at Rhoads Stadium in Tuscaloosa. The Crimson Tide will compete against Georgia Southern and Lehigh, playing a doubleheader featuring each team on both Friday and Saturday.

Alabama has the superior team in the event, so fans should be able to see a showcase of much of the new talent on the roster.

Check out the video above as BamaCentral's Blake Byler and Katie Windham talk about what they expect to see from Alabama softball's 2023 season opener.