Alabama Softball Flies to its 14th Women's College World Series

Head coach Patrick Murphy and the Crimson Tide were greeted by fans at the airport as they departed for the Women's College World Series.

Joe Gaither | May 30, 2023

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The Alabama Crimson Tide softball team was in good spirits on Tuesday ahead of its plane ride to Oklahoma City.

The Crimson Tide is set to make its 14th appearance at the Women's College World Series as it opens the event against No. 4 Tennessee on Thursday.

"As excited as the first time," Murphy said. "I'm being sincere when I say that. I think I told you guys Sunday, this has been the most gratifying season of my career. This group is selfless, servant leaders. They are filled with Mudita."

"I just cannot say enough good things about this group. The whole season has been peaks and valleys. Adversity. Shoot — you know what happened at Arkansas to Montana and they keep coming back for more. They are just as gritty as can be."

The Crimson Tide has overcome massive roster turnover, an injury to its star pitcher and 18 regular season losses — the most since 2018.

Despite the adversity the program's dealt with in 2023, Alabama can still make history with a strong showing in Oklahoma City.

"Let's finish this," Murphy said. "This is 14, but we need to win another one. That percentage needs to go up, so we're going out there with one purpose is to win it."

"I wouldn't put it past them because they've done some crazy things so far."

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