Tuscaloosa Regional
Gophers (54-3): The Big Ten regular-season and conference tournament champions have a 25-game winning streak. The Gophers last loss was 4-3 to Illinois on April 1. Seven of their players were named to the NFCA Great Lakes All-Region teams. Pitcher Sara Groenewegen (30-2, 0.59 ERA), catcher Kendyl Lindaman (20 HRs, 74 RBI), first baseman Sydney Dwyer (76 RBI, .391) and right fielder Maddie Houlihan (.401) were picked for the first team. Center fielder Dani Wagner (8 HRs, ..345) was named to the second team. Third baseman Danielle Parlich (73 hits, 58 runs) and second baseman MaKenna Partain (.379) each earned third-team honors.
Louisiana Tech (37-22): The Lady Techers defeated Flordia International 1-0 in the championship game of the Conference USA tournament. They are appearing in their 10th NCAA tournament but first since 2008. Top pitcher is Krystal De La Cruz (13-3, 1.76). Left fielder Morgan Turkoly is the team's leading hitter (.367) and second in RBI (36). Teammates Ali Galaz and Taria Page also are hitting over .300.
Alabama (42-16): The Crimson Tide is making its 19th consecutive NCAA appearance and 13th in a row as a regional host. It has a 31-game winning streak in regional games going back to 2007. Alabama, the No. 16 seed, was 12-11 for fifth place in the powerhouse SEC; it lost to eventual champion Mississippi 4-1 in the SEC tournament semifinals. Top pitchers are Alexis Osorio (21-7, 1.29, 305 Ks) and Sydney Littlejohn (15-8, 1.36). Freshman Bailey Hemphill leads the Crimson Tide at the plate, hitting .324 with 8 homers and 39 RBI.
Albany (27-16): The Great Danes beat Maine 6-1 to win the America East Conference tournament and get an automatic berth in the NCAA tournament. Catcher Elizabeth Snow leads Alabany in most offensive categories. She is hitting .439 with 13 homers and 46 RBI. Pitchers Devin Durando (8.3, 3.33) was named the most outstanding player of the conference tournament.
