The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB
Alabama
Weekly Preview: Softball Travels to No. 15 Alabama, Takes on USF
3/19/2024 12:30:00 PM | Softball
BIRMINGHAM – UAB Softball returns to action on the week of March 18 with a midweek and weekend series in the mid-March slot. The Blazers enter the week taking on No. 15 Alabama on March 20 in Tuscaloosa, followed by a home series versus South Florida from March 22 through 24.
UAB (12-15, 3-3 AAC) vs. #15 Alabama (22-5, 2-4 SEC)
March 20 | 6 PM | Rhoades Stadium | Tuscaloosa, Ala.
WATCH LIVE | LIVE STATS
SCOUTING THE CRIMSON TIDE
UAB and Alabama meet for the third time this season, traveling to Rhoades Stadium for the final series meeting. The last two meetings between the Blazers and Crimson Tide resulted in a 0-8 and 0-15 loss. Since then, the Tide have gone 6-5 coming into the week of March 18. Sitting at the No. 9 slot in the SEC, Alabama sits in the lower half of the conference in batting average, slugging percentage, and RBIs.
The Tide lost a crucial pitcher in Montana Fouts but found new value in Kayla Beaver, who sits at the top of the stat rankings with a 0.91 ERA. With a 9-2 record, Beaver has played seven complete games, allowing 42 hits throughout the season. Behind the plate, Abby Duchscherer leads in batting with a .363 average, starting and playing in every game this season so far for the Tide. With 80 at-bats and 26 RBIs, Duchscherer is a player to watch for come Wednesday.
UAB (12-15, 3-3 AAC) vs. USF (22-11, 2-4 AAC)
March 22-24 | Mary Bowers Field | Birmingham, Ala.
WATCH LIVE | LIVE STATS
SCOUTING THE BULLS
The Blazers and Bulls meet for the first time in six years, with the last meeting resulting in a 3-6 loss. The Green and Gold are 9-16 overall versus USF, with a 2-7 home record and the last home win being in 2005 during the Marla Townsend Era. Since then, the Bulls have made ten WCWS Regional appearances. Finishing third in the AAC last season, USF tallied a 10-7 record and entered the series with a 22-11 record.
Sitting at 2-4 in the AAC, the Bulls are seventh in the AAC. Despite this, USF is in the top three in pitching and fielding. Their skill in the circle is credited to the conference leader in pitching, Payton Dixon. Dixon posts an ERA of 1.18 and a win/loss record of 10-2. Joining Dixon is Belle Sardja, who is third in the conference in pitching. In fielding, Kathy Garcia-Soto leads the way in fielding with a perfect 1.000% fielding percentage. Tallying 61 putouts so far, the infielder has helped her team to a .972 fielding percentage.
PROMOTIONAL SCHEDULE
FRIDAY, MARCH 22: Greek Night
NPHC, IFC, and Greek Lettered Organizations can cheer on the Blazers for Game One of the USF series.
SATURDAY, MARCH 23: Bark at the Park/BBKC Day
Fans with Furry Friends can come down Saturday afternoon for the second game of the USF series for Bark at the Park. Blazer Buddies Kids Club members will also be able to enjoy the fun with Anthem Buddies before the first pitch.
SUNDAY, MARCH 24: Healthcare Appreciation/Signature Sunday
Healthcare workers with a valid ID can gain entry for $3 for the series finale against USF. Fans can also stay postgame for an autograph session. The Autograph location is located behind the bleachers and fans will be provided Sharpies and posters available for fans.
FOLLOW UAB SOFTBALL
To keep up with UAB Softball, follow @UAB_SB on Instagram and Twitter.
2023-24 GOLD CARD
You can support UAB Softball all season by purchasing Season Tickets. Tickets are available by purchasing the 2023-24 Gold Card for $65. The 2023-24 Gold Card will get you access to all home events for Women's Soccer, Men's Soccer, Volleyball, Women's Basketball, Softball, and Baseball (Regions Field & Young Memorial). This card is not valid for AAC or NCAA Championship events.
