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Source: http://www.cw.ua.edu/category/sports/feed/

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<title>SPORTS – The Crimson White</title>
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<title>Men’s golf team’s quest for a fifth SEC championship comes up short</title>
<link>https://thecrimsonwhite.com/114535/sports/mens-golf-teams-quest-for-a-fifth-sec-championship-comes-up-short/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[ Quinn Shanley, Contributing Writer]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Sun, 05 May 2024 04:33:32 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[SPORTS]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://thecrimsonwhite.com/?p=114535</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<a href="https://thecrimsonwhite.com/114535/sports/mens-golf-teams-quest-for-a-fifth-sec-championship-comes-up-short/" title="Men’s golf team’s quest for a fifth SEC championship comes up short" data-wpel-link="internal"><a href="https://thecrimsonwhite.com/114535/sports/mens-golf-teams-quest-for-a-fifth-sec-championship-comes-up-short/" title="Men’s golf team’s quest for a fifth SEC championship comes up short" rel="nofollow"><img width="1023" height="681" src="https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/MicrosoftTeams-image-2.jpg" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="1" decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" srcset="https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/MicrosoftTeams-image-2.jpg 1023w, https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/MicrosoftTeams-image-2-600x399.jpg 600w, https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/MicrosoftTeams-image-2-768x511.jpg 768w, https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/MicrosoftTeams-image-2-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 1023px) 100vw, 1023px" /></a></a>The Alabama men’s golf team’s quest for the program’s fifth SEC title came up short at the hands of the No. 1-seeded Auburn Tigers in the first round of match play. After a hot start to the individual portion of the men’s golf SEC tournament, Alabama fell to the Tigers after dropping the final...]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<a href="https://thecrimsonwhite.com/114535/sports/mens-golf-teams-quest-for-a-fifth-sec-championship-comes-up-short/" title="Men’s golf team’s quest for a fifth SEC championship comes up short" data-wpel-link="internal"><a href="https://thecrimsonwhite.com/114535/sports/mens-golf-teams-quest-for-a-fifth-sec-championship-comes-up-short/" title="Men’s golf team’s quest for a fifth SEC championship comes up short" rel="nofollow"><img width="1023" height="681" src="https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/MicrosoftTeams-image-2.jpg" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="1" decoding="async" srcset="https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/MicrosoftTeams-image-2.jpg 1023w, https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/MicrosoftTeams-image-2-600x399.jpg 600w, https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/MicrosoftTeams-image-2-768x511.jpg 768w, https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/MicrosoftTeams-image-2-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 1023px) 100vw, 1023px" /></a></a>The Alabama men’s golf team’s quest for the program’s fifth SEC title came up short at the hands of the No. 1-seeded Auburn Tigers in the first round of match play.
After a hot start to the individual portion of the men’s golf SEC tournament, Alabama fell to the Tigers after dropping the final win it needed to get to the semifinals. 
Alabama came into the SEC championship playing some of its best golf of the season. Its lineup of Canon Claycomb, Thomas Ponder, Jonathan Griz, JP Cave and Jones Free had collected three top five team finishes in their last four events of the regular season. 
Momentum was on the side of the No. 9-seeded Crimson Tide heading into the tournament, which took place at the Sea Island Golf Club in St. Simons Island, Georgia. 
“This is the best week of the year,” head coach Jay Seawell said. “This is always a tough week, but a great week.” 
The Crimson Tide competed in a 54-hole tournament from Wednesday to Friday, where the top eight teams remaining qualified for the match play portion on Saturday and Sunday, with the winning team claiming the team championship. 
Day 1 saw all five of UA’s golfers within four strokes of one another, but Ponder led the way with a 1-under-par 69, tying 18th overall. 
Both Claycomb and Griz carded 1–over-par 71s, while Cave and Free shot matching scores of 2-over-par 72. Their team score of 3-over-par 283 had the team in a tie for ninth overall, and to make it to the team championships it needed to move up at least one more place. 
By Thursday it had done exactly that, as it improved by 11 strokes from its team score on Thursday and shot a team score of 8–under 272. This was the second lowest team score of the day, and as Alabama moved into solo seventh place overall, Ponder led the charge with 4-under-par 66 and tied for third overall in the individual competition.
On Friday, all the Crimson Tide had to do was hold its spot to punch its ticket to the match play portion of the SEC Championship, where it would have the opportunity to win its sixth conference title. 
Led by the efforts of Griz, who earned a top 20 finish in individual stroke play and fought back from a triple bogey on his second hole of the day to shoot a final round 3-under-par 67, the team shot a 3-over-par 283, earning eighth place after 54 holes. 
With that finish, Alabama advanced to the match play championship and had a date with not only the No. 1 seed in the SEC tournament but the No. 1 team in the nation, the Auburn Tigers, Saturday morning in the quarterfinals. 
“It’s really hard to get to reach match play, and I thought we battled hard to earn our place here,” Seawell said. 
Both Alabama and Auburn put all five of their golfers out on the course in five different individual matches. Each match was worth one point, meaning three match play victories were all Alabama needed to advance to the semifinals. 
Cave was the first one on the course, taking on Auburn’s Brendan Valdes. In a back-and-forth battle where neither golfer led by more than two holes, the two were tied at the end of 18. Finally, on the 20th hole of the match, Cave birdied to put the first point on the board for Alabama. 
Next out was Griz, who despite trailing the entire match with a deficit as broad as three pulled out a final-round effort Friday that helped Alabama punch its ticket to the quarterfinals. 
Alabama won its first two matches, though those were the team’s only two wins in the quarterfinals. 
Claycomb drew Auburn’s Jackson Koivun, who won the individual tournament, and lost 1-down on the 18th green. 
Ponder, who was unable to grab a lead the whole morning, dropped his match 2 and 1 to Auburn’s J.M. Butler. 
Free, who was able to take the first hole from Auburn’s Josiah Gilbert, wound up losing 4 and 3. 
Though the result wasn’t what Seawell desired, he was proud of how hard Alabama fought against such a formidable opponent. 
“We took on a very good Auburn team and looked down-and-out but rallied,” Seawell said. “The fight they showed today in match play was incredible, and it really earned my respect.” 
On Wednesday afternoon The Crimson Tide was selected as the No. 2 seed in the Chapel Hill Region of the NCAA Men’s Golf Championships. 
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<title>Softball avoids sweep against Tennessee with victory on Sunday</title>
<link>https://thecrimsonwhite.com/114494/sports/softball-avoids-sweep-against-tennessee-with-victory-on-sunday/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[ Nazario Pangallo, Contributing Writer]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 29 Apr 2024 23:54:40 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[SPORTS]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://thecrimsonwhite.com/?p=114494</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<a href="https://thecrimsonwhite.com/114494/sports/softball-avoids-sweep-against-tennessee-with-victory-on-sunday/" title="Softball avoids sweep against Tennessee with victory on Sunday" data-wpel-link="internal"><a href="https://thecrimsonwhite.com/114494/sports/softball-avoids-sweep-against-tennessee-with-victory-on-sunday/" title="Softball avoids sweep against Tennessee with victory on Sunday" rel="nofollow"><img width="1200" height="800" src="https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Stroud-0380-1200x800.jpg" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="1" decoding="async" srcset="https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Stroud-0380-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Stroud-0380-600x400.jpg 600w, https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Stroud-0380-768x512.jpg 768w, https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Stroud-0380-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Stroud-0380-300x200.jpg 300w, https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Stroud-0380.jpg 1800w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></a></a>It has been over a decade since the last time Alabama was swept in an SEC series, in 2013. After dropping games 1 and 2 at home to No. 3 Tennessee, it looked as if that streak would end. But Alabama battled back Sunday afternoon and eventually came away with a 1-0 victory to avoid...]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<a href="https://thecrimsonwhite.com/114494/sports/softball-avoids-sweep-against-tennessee-with-victory-on-sunday/" title="Softball avoids sweep against Tennessee with victory on Sunday" data-wpel-link="internal"><a href="https://thecrimsonwhite.com/114494/sports/softball-avoids-sweep-against-tennessee-with-victory-on-sunday/" title="Softball avoids sweep against Tennessee with victory on Sunday" rel="nofollow"><img width="1200" height="800" src="https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Stroud-0380-1200x800.jpg" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="1" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Stroud-0380-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Stroud-0380-600x400.jpg 600w, https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Stroud-0380-768x512.jpg 768w, https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Stroud-0380-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Stroud-0380-300x200.jpg 300w, https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Stroud-0380.jpg 1800w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></a></a>It has been over a decade since the last time Alabama was swept in an SEC series, in 2013. After dropping games 1 and 2 at home to No. 3 Tennessee, it looked as if that streak would end. But Alabama battled back Sunday afternoon and eventually came away with a 1-0 victory to avoid the sweep.
“We just do not allow that to happen. Especially at home,” head coach Patrick Murphy said “One of the key characteristics is grit. You have got to have it.” 
Alabama showed plenty of grit in Game 3, and it all started in the circle with graduate student Kayla Beaver. Beaver’s starts recently in the final games of series hadn’t gone her way; Tennessee had handed her seventh loss of the season just two days before. But none of that fazed Beaver. 
“Just trusting my abilities. We knew coming into this that we had to give it everything we got,” Beaver said. “[Coach] Lance [McMahon] told us before the game to empty the tank, and we did exactly that.” 
In her final regular-season home game, Beaver punctuated the ending with her seventh complete-game shutout of the season. Tennessee mustered just two hits, both from center fielder Kiki Milloy, and the Lady Volunteers did not have a runner reach third base. 
“You got to give the game ball to Beaver,” Murphy said. “Beaver was terrific. To beat somebody like that in the third game after they saw her Friday night is Montana Foutsish.” 
Dating back to last Sunday’s loss to Arkansas, Alabama’s offense had gone 27 straight innings without a run. Through four innings on Sunday, it looked like the Crimson Tide could be on its way to a fourth straight shutout. That was until the fifth inning, when shortstop Kenleigh Cahalan got the ball rolling. 
Cahalan laced a 3-1 pitch down the right-field line for a triple. Cahalan’s triple set in motion Tennessee’s plan to bring sophomore pitcher Karlyn Pickens in from the bullpen. Stepping up next for the Crimson Tide was center fielder Kristen White, who had broken up Pickens no-hitter the day before. That success played perfectly into White’s mindset.
“A lot of confidence, I was oozing confidence when they brought her [Pickens] in,” White said. “I was like, you know, I got the job done yesterday, and today I’m going to do the same thing.” 
White got the job done by chopping a grounder to shortstop and legging out a single to score Cahalan. 
“In the middle of that at-bat, all I did was ask God for peace and calmness that I’ve never had before,” White said when asked about her mindset in the box. “There was not a doubt in my mind that I could get it done for my team.” 
One run was all Beaver needed as the Crimson Tide stole Game 3 by a score of 1-0. 
In Game 1 on Friday night, the Lady Vols wasted no time hopping on the Tide as third baseman McKenna Gibson’s sacrifice fly put the first run on the board. 
Beaver limited the damage to just one in the first but allowed two more runs in the fifth. Milloy and Gibson each singled in a run to make it 3-0. 
A two-run home run in the seventh off the bat of designated player Zaida Puni gave Tennessee a 5-0 lead that stood pat for the final score. 
Alabama’s offense put pressure on the Tennesse defense as the Tide had runners on base five of the seven innings. Senior Tennessee pitcher Payton Gottshall pitched out of pressure multiple innings, holding Alabama to 0 for 10 with runners on and 0 for 4 with runners in scoring position. 
Freshman Jocelyn Briski followed up her Co-SEC Freshman of the Week performance last week against Arkansas with a seven-inning two-run outing in Game 2 against the Lady Vols. Only one run was earned as one runner scored off an error before left fielder Rylie West cracked her 10th home run of the season in the fourth. 
For the third straight game the Alabama offense was shut out. Pickens took over for Tennessee with her overpowering fastball and devastating changeup. 
Pickens had a no-hitter until White laid down a bunt single in the sixth to end Alabama’s hitting drought. The Crimson Tide couldn’t build off that momentum and ultimately fell in the second game 2-0. 
Alabama will look to build off its win Sunday when it heads to Auburn next weekend for its final SEC series of the season. The Crimson Tide will need to win all three games to avoid the program’s first-ever losing record in SEC play. 
]]></content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>10 Alabama football players hear their names called at the NFL draft</title>
<link>https://thecrimsonwhite.com/114491/sports/10-alabama-football-players-hear-their-names-called-at-the-nfl-draft/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[ Matthew Mason, Contributing Writer]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 29 Apr 2024 23:51:51 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[SPORTS]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://thecrimsonwhite.com/?p=114491</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<a href="https://thecrimsonwhite.com/114491/sports/10-alabama-football-players-hear-their-names-called-at-the-nfl-draft/" title="10 Alabama football players hear their names called at the NFL draft" data-wpel-link="internal"><a href="https://thecrimsonwhite.com/114491/sports/10-alabama-football-players-hear-their-names-called-at-the-nfl-draft/" title="10 Alabama football players hear their names called at the NFL draft" rel="nofollow"><img width="1200" height="800" src="https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/RWT_0838.jpg" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="1" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/RWT_0838.jpg 1200w, https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/RWT_0838-600x400.jpg 600w, https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/RWT_0838-768x512.jpg 768w, https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/RWT_0838-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></a></a>After this year’s NFL draft in Detroit, Michigan, former Alabama football head coach Nick Saban can say that he has produced 52 first-round picks throughout his legendary coaching career. For the 18th straight year, the Southeastern Conference had the most players selected in the draft out of every conference as 59 players from the SEC...]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<a href="https://thecrimsonwhite.com/114491/sports/10-alabama-football-players-hear-their-names-called-at-the-nfl-draft/" title="10 Alabama football players hear their names called at the NFL draft" data-wpel-link="internal"><a href="https://thecrimsonwhite.com/114491/sports/10-alabama-football-players-hear-their-names-called-at-the-nfl-draft/" title="10 Alabama football players hear their names called at the NFL draft" rel="nofollow"><img width="1200" height="800" src="https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/RWT_0838.jpg" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="1" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/RWT_0838.jpg 1200w, https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/RWT_0838-600x400.jpg 600w, https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/RWT_0838-768x512.jpg 768w, https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/RWT_0838-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></a></a>After this year’s NFL draft in Detroit, Michigan, former Alabama football head coach Nick Saban can say that he has produced 52 first-round picks throughout his legendary coaching career.
For the 18th straight year, the Southeastern Conference had the most players selected in the draft out of every conference as 59 players from the SEC were drafted. Ten of those players were from the Alabama Crimson Tide, and three heard their name called on Day 1. 
Offensive lineman JC Latham selected seventh overall by the Tennessee Titans 
The Titans drafted Latham to add some much-needed protection for quarterback Will Levis. Adding a player like Latham to the offensive line can contribute to the development of a young quarterback, and his ability to block downhill runs will help running back Tony Pollard create positive plays in the ground game. 
“He was a great leader on our team. But you talk about being physical and dominate the line of scrimmage, I mean, this guy is as powerful as anybody we’ve ever had. When he gets his hands on you, you’ve had it,” <a href="https://x.com/SECNetwork/status/1783688043745907037" data-wpel-link="external" target="_blank" rel="external noopener noreferrer">Saban said on ABC’s NFL draft coverage.</a>
Latham became Saban’s 50th first-round draft pick, but the count did not stop there. 
Linebacker Dallas Turner selected 17th overall by the Minnesota Vikings 
Turner was the 2023 SEC Co-Defensive Player of the Year, and he is the current favorite to win Defensive Rookie of the Year this upcoming season. 
Draft analysts projected that the Atlanta Falcons were going to pick Turner on Day 1, but the Falcons decided to go in a different direction and picked a quarterback. Turner unexpectedly slid down the draft board, but the Minnesota Vikings snatched him up with the 17th overall pick. 
“You’ve got to have relentless effort to be a great pass rusher, and he is relentless in the way he goes after the quarterback,” <a href="https://x.com/SeanBormanNFL/status/1783683520923070807" data-wpel-link="external" target="_blank" rel="external noopener noreferrer">Saban said.</a> 
Cornerback Terrion Arnold selected 24th overall by the Detroit Lions 
Arnold becomes the third consecutive Alabama player to be selected in the first round by the Lions. Detroit picked wide receiver Jameson Williams 12th overall in 2022 and running back Jahmyr Gibbs 12th overall in 2023. 
“This guy’s a special guy,” <a href="https://x.com/SECNetwork/status/1783734823757967777" data-wpel-link="external" target="_blank" rel="external noopener noreferrer">Saban said.</a> “He’s got a great personality. Everybody loves him. He started the whole LANK thing, and he followed that and really committed himself to being the best player he could be, being the best leader,” the former coach added, referring to a slogan, short for “Let All Naysayers Know,” that became popular among Alabama players and fans during the most recent college football season.
Arnold’s friendship with Saban’s wife, Terry Saban, caught the attention of many Alabama fans. His wholesome interactions with the Sabans showcased his charismatic personality. 
Arnold is a solid fit for the Lions’ defensive strategy and will give the defensive play callers more flexibility because of his ability to cover receivers man-to-man. He will get to play with Alabama alum Brian Branch. 
Cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry selected 41st overall by the New Orleans Saints 
McKinstry, a multiyear starter at Alabama, caught the eye of NFL scouts with his great length and size for his position. Scouts also loved him because of his ability to quickly get in phase and in the hip pockets of receivers. On top of that, McKinstry has great play recognition and vision. 
“He’s really smart and instinctive. I think that’s why he is going to be a really good player. He’s probably more ready to play than anybody else,” <a href="https://x.com/GeauxLSUH/status/1784040595738001646" data-wpel-link="external" target="_blank" rel="external noopener noreferrer">Saban said.</a>
After he got drafted, news broke that McKinstry is partnering with Kool-Aid to create a limited-edition <a href="https://x.com/TDAlabamaMag/status/1784232761491947859" data-wpel-link="external" target="_blank" rel="external noopener noreferrer">“Black Cherry Blitz” flavor.</a>
Linebacker Chris Braswell selected 57th overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 
Braswell played opposite fellow edge rusher Turner on the defensive line, adding even more pressure on college quarterbacks this season. The Buccaneers add Braswell to an already stout front seven. 
“He is really, really a good player, a great pass rusher, can turn speed into power and make some big-time plays,” <a href="https://x.com/JackKnowlton_/status/1784027048576536900" data-wpel-link="external" target="_blank" rel="external noopener noreferrer">Saban said.</a> 
Braswell’s ability to attack a blocker’s weak-side shoulder and punch the ball out of the hands of a ball carrier will bring much-needed big-play potential to Tampa Bay’s defense. Braswell’s strip sack on Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton III led to a game-defining fumble recovery touchdown that gave Alabama the victory over Tennessee this past season.
Wide receiver Jermaine Burton selected 80th overall by the Cincinnati Bengals 
The Bengals gave quarterback Joe Burrow another weapon as they drafted Burton in the third round. The Bengals’ front office is not sure about Tee Higgins’ future with the team, so it made it an objective to select another pass catcher in case it must trade Higgins. 
Burton started his career as a Georgia Bulldog before transferring to Alabama. There is always a chance of a big play when Burton is on the field. He caught the touchdown that helped Alabama extend its lead over Georgia in the Crimson Tide’s 2023 SEC championship victory. 
“He’s a tremendous competitor. He’s got great quickness. He’s got really good speed. He can come in and out of a break. He can beat man-to-man,” <a href="https://x.com/awfulannouncing/status/1784049589659873321" data-wpel-link="external" target="_blank" rel="external noopener noreferrer">Saban said.</a> 
Defensive lineman Justin Eboigbe selected 105th overall by the Los Angeles Chargers 
Former Michigan head coach and new Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh remembered Eboigbe’s Rose Bowl performance this year and selected the 6-foot-4-inch 297-pounder to strengthen the Chargers defense. 
Eboigbe’s arm length and ability to fight through multiple blockers makes him a great fit for the Chargers as he will play alongside Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa, two of the greatest defensive linemen in the league. 
Eboigbe had a season-ending spine injury in 2022, but he worked hard for 10 months to make his comeback to football. 
“Justin Eboigbe being able to comeback from the injury that he had, what he had to overcome to be able to come back, the great job our mental staff did to help him be able to come back, the specialists that he went to that put them in a position to be able to come back — I mean, it speaks volumes of the character that he has,” <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eL0RJF2oAwo" data-wpel-link="external" target="_blank" rel="external noopener noreferrer">Saban said.</a>
Running back Jase McClellan selected 186th overall by the Atlanta Falcons 
McClellan is heading to Atlanta to lighten the load of starting running back Bijan Robinson. With Cordarrelle Patterson departing from the team in the offseason, a spot was opened in the running back room. McClellan will add much-needed depth to the Falcons roster. 
McClellan is a patient runner with great vision as a ball carrier, and his hands make him a solid option in passing scenarios. 
McClellan may not be the biggest running back, but his toughness makes him the perfect type of player to play under new Falcons head coach Raheem Morris. 
Kicker Will Reichard selected 203rd overall by the Minnesota Vikings 
The Vikings landed the NCAA all-time leading scorer in the sixth round. Reichard was the first placekicker off the board in this year’s draft, and he joins his Alabama teammate Turner in Minnesota. Reichard being drafted means that Saban has sent a player from every position to the NFL. 
The Vikings have a history of losing important games due to missed field goals, so they will rely on Reichard to reverse the curse. 
At Alabama, Reichard rarely missed a field goal, and he stepped up in key moments when the Crimson Tide needed a game-winning kick. His clutch ability can make a huge difference on whether the Vikings make or miss the playoffs. 
Defensive back Jaylen Key selected 257th overall by the New York Jets 
The fifth-year senior is heading to New York to play alongside superstar cornerback Sauce Gardner in the secondary. Key is this season’s “Mr. Irrelevant,” a title given to the player selected with the final pick in each year’s draft. There are not many expectations for a player chosen last, but he could follow in the footsteps of 2022 “Mr. Irrelevant” Brock Purdy and earn a permanent starting position in his rookie season.
Key is a versatile safety who can bring run support to the Jets defense no matter where he lines up on the field. Key is also the final player from the Nick Saban era to be selected in the NFL draft. 
Offensive lineman Darrian Dalcourt signs with the Baltimore Ravens after draft 
Although Dalcourt did not hear his name called on the draft stage, the Ravens sought after him once the draft concluded and signed him. 
Dalcourt played center for two years at Alabama before he switched to right guard for his final season in 2023. He will provide depth for the Ravens at multiple positions on the offensive line. 
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<title>Track and field concludes regular season with four first-place finishes</title>
<link>https://thecrimsonwhite.com/114488/sports/track-and-field-concludes-regular-season-with-four-first-place-finishes/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[ Matthew Mason, Contributing Writer]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 29 Apr 2024 23:47:54 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[SPORTS]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://thecrimsonwhite.com/?p=114488</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<a href="https://thecrimsonwhite.com/114488/sports/track-and-field-concludes-regular-season-with-four-first-place-finishes/" title="Track and field concludes regular season with four first-place finishes" data-wpel-link="internal"><a href="https://thecrimsonwhite.com/114488/sports/track-and-field-concludes-regular-season-with-four-first-place-finishes/" title="Track and field concludes regular season with four first-place finishes" rel="nofollow"><img width="1018" height="645" src="https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Screenshot-2024-04-29-151503.png" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="1" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Screenshot-2024-04-29-151503.png 1018w, https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Screenshot-2024-04-29-151503-600x380.png 600w, https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Screenshot-2024-04-29-151503-768x487.png 768w, https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Screenshot-2024-04-29-151503-300x190.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 1018px) 100vw, 1018px" /></a></a>The Alabama men’s and women’s track and field teams wrapped up the outdoor regular season on Saturday by sending 43 student-athletes to compete in the Desert Heat Classic in Tucson, Arizona. The Crimson Tide rolled into this meet ranked No. 2 in the nation on the men’s side and No. 15 on the women’s side....]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<a href="https://thecrimsonwhite.com/114488/sports/track-and-field-concludes-regular-season-with-four-first-place-finishes/" title="Track and field concludes regular season with four first-place finishes" data-wpel-link="internal"><a href="https://thecrimsonwhite.com/114488/sports/track-and-field-concludes-regular-season-with-four-first-place-finishes/" title="Track and field concludes regular season with four first-place finishes" rel="nofollow"><img width="1018" height="645" src="https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Screenshot-2024-04-29-151503.png" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="1" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Screenshot-2024-04-29-151503.png 1018w, https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Screenshot-2024-04-29-151503-600x380.png 600w, https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Screenshot-2024-04-29-151503-768x487.png 768w, https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Screenshot-2024-04-29-151503-300x190.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 1018px) 100vw, 1018px" /></a></a>The Alabama men’s and women’s track and field teams wrapped up the outdoor regular season on Saturday by sending 43 student-athletes to compete in the Desert Heat Classic in Tucson, Arizona.
The Crimson Tide rolled into this meet ranked No. 2 in the nation on the men’s side and No. 15 on the women’s side. There were 27 top 10 finishes, with four of those being first-place finishes. 
“Great weekend,” head coach Dan Waters said. “With four event titles and an impressive 27 top 10 finishes, our team showcased exceptional talent.” 
Junior Corde Long was victorious in the men’s 400-meter hurdles with a time of 49.26 seconds. Long now holds the fourth-fastest time in the NCAA this season. 
Long also competed in the men’s 4×400-meter relay with seniors Jonathan Martin, Matthew Weaver and Clayton Elder. This team finished in third place with their time of 3:07.40. 
Weaver also ran the men’s 4×100-meter relay race with juniors Jekovan Rhetta, Tarsis Orogot and Josh Thomas. They clocked in at 39.27 seconds and came away with third place. 
Freshman Allan Kiplagat finished first in the men’s steeplechase with his new personal-best time of 9:21.78. 
Senior Khaleb McRae sprinted to second place in the men’s 400-meter dash in 45.54 seconds, and senior Chris Robinson was just behind him in third place, clocking in 45.63 seconds. 
Junior Hillary Cheruiyot claimed second in the men’s 3,000-meter race with a time of 8:13.44. Freshman Dennis Kipruto finish third in this event with an 8:15.71. 
On the women’s side, graduate student Chandler Hayden continued her streak of finishing in the top three in throwing events. She kicked the weekend off by claiming third place in the hammer throw with a 60.57-meter toss. 
Sophomore Caelyn Harris won gold in women’s long jump via a 6.54-meter leap. Harris set a new personal record and now holds the third-farthest jump in program history. 
Junior Miracle Ailes took third place in the women’s high jump with a 1.80-meter jump. 
Before the night was over, freshman Brenda Tuwei competed in the women’s 3,000-meter and won the race with a time of 9:44.55. 
“Now with the upcoming week off, we have a fantastic opportunity to hone our skills and refine what we can control,” Waters said. 
Postseason action will start May 9-11 at the SEC championships in Gainesville, Florida. 
“I’m eagerly anticipating the achievements this team can reach,” Waters said. “We’ll be prepared for whatever comes our way.” 
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<title>Alabama takes 2 out of 3 against Ole Miss to secure its first road series win of the season</title>
<link>https://thecrimsonwhite.com/114485/sports/alabama-takes-2-out-of-3-against-ole-miss-to-secure-its-first-road-series-win-of-the-season/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[ Graham Baakko, Contributing Writer]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 29 Apr 2024 23:45:38 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[SPORTS]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://thecrimsonwhite.com/?p=114485</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<a href="https://thecrimsonwhite.com/114485/sports/alabama-takes-2-out-of-3-against-ole-miss-to-secure-its-first-road-series-win-of-the-season/" title="Alabama takes 2 out of 3 against Ole Miss to secure its first road series win of the season" data-wpel-link="internal"><a href="https://thecrimsonwhite.com/114485/sports/alabama-takes-2-out-of-3-against-ole-miss-to-secure-its-first-road-series-win-of-the-season/" title="Alabama takes 2 out of 3 against Ole Miss to secure its first road series win of the season" rel="nofollow"><img width="970" height="641" src="https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Screenshot-2024-04-29-151716.png" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="1" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Screenshot-2024-04-29-151716.png 970w, https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Screenshot-2024-04-29-151716-600x396.png 600w, https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Screenshot-2024-04-29-151716-768x508.png 768w, https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Screenshot-2024-04-29-151716-300x198.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 970px) 100vw, 970px" /></a></a>No. 23 Alabama baseball traveled to Oxford, Mississippi, over the weekend to take on Ole Miss in search of its first series win on the road this season. With the help of a couple good outings from the pitchers, alongside the offense, Alabama was able to accomplish this goal. Game 1: Alabama 12, Ole Miss...]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<a href="https://thecrimsonwhite.com/114485/sports/alabama-takes-2-out-of-3-against-ole-miss-to-secure-its-first-road-series-win-of-the-season/" title="Alabama takes 2 out of 3 against Ole Miss to secure its first road series win of the season" data-wpel-link="internal"><a href="https://thecrimsonwhite.com/114485/sports/alabama-takes-2-out-of-3-against-ole-miss-to-secure-its-first-road-series-win-of-the-season/" title="Alabama takes 2 out of 3 against Ole Miss to secure its first road series win of the season" rel="nofollow"><img width="970" height="641" src="https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Screenshot-2024-04-29-151716.png" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="1" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Screenshot-2024-04-29-151716.png 970w, https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Screenshot-2024-04-29-151716-600x396.png 600w, https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Screenshot-2024-04-29-151716-768x508.png 768w, https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Screenshot-2024-04-29-151716-300x198.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 970px) 100vw, 970px" /></a></a>No. 23 Alabama baseball traveled to Oxford, Mississippi, over the weekend to take on Ole Miss in search of its first series win on the road this season. With the help of a couple good outings from the pitchers, alongside the offense, Alabama was able to accomplish this goal.
Game 1: Alabama 12, Ole Miss 0 (F/7) 
Alabama kicked off the series with a 12-0 victory in seven innings. Lefty Greg Farone got the start for the Crimson Tide. 
Farone pitched a complete game shutout in seven innings while surrendering just six hits and did not allow a walk. To add to his performance, Farone struck out six Ole Miss batters. Farone’s start marked the first complete game in seven innings for Alabama since Adam Morgan in April 2011 against Tennessee. 
“Greg [Farone] made hitters miss, commanded the zone, and moved in and out well,” Crimson Tide head coach Rob Vaughn said. “His breaking ball had bite to it tonight and he had a feel for the changeup tonight. He was outstanding.” 
Designated hitter Kade Snell got the offense started with a single into right field to bring home shortstop Justin Lebron and put Alabama up 1-0. 
Alabama ran away in the top of the fourth inning with a nine-run inning to push the lead from one to 10 runs. Left fielder Ian Petrutz started the scoring party with a ground-rule double deep into left field to bring home two runs. 
After back-to-back singles, first baseman Will Hodo continued to pour on the offense with a three-run home run into right field to extend the lead to 6-0. 
After adding another run, catcher Mac Guscette continued the scoring in the fourth inning with a three-run blast to left to push the lead to 10-0. Guscette’s three-hit performance to start the series extended his hit streak to five games, including hitting a home run in three of his past four games. 
“The hitters gave us relentless at-bats. It was a heck of a job by our guys to understand the strike zone and stay with our plan on offense,” Vaughn said. 
Game 2: Ole Miss 9, Alabama 8 
Starting pitcher Ben Hess got the start in the second game of the series. The junior pitched four innings, gave up three hits with three earned runs, and walked four batters. 
Hess did his best to limit the Rebels offense with seven strikeouts in his outing. 
After trailing 3-0 after four innings, the Crimson Tide turned on the offense in what would be a back-and-forth shootout. Shortstop Justin Lebron started the scoring for Alabama after he sent a ball over the wall in left field to draw within two runs of Ole Miss. 
The offense continued to heat up in the top half of the fifth inning. After Lebron got an RBI single, Hodo gave Alabama its first lead of the game when he hit a three-run home run to put Alabama up 5-3. 
After the two teams traded blows in the bottom half of the fifth and the top of the sixth innings, the game was tied at 7 going into the bottom of the sixth. 
The Rebels ultimately put themselves in the driver seat for the rest of the night when they hit back-to-back home runs to take a commanding 9-7 lead. 
In the top of the seventh, Alabama cut the deficit to 1 after center fielder TJ McCants scored off a Guscette sacrifice fly, but the Crimson Tide could not muster up another run to complete the late comeback bid. 
“We just put too many guys on for free and weren’t able to get a zero there in those middle innings,” Vaughn said. “After we scored to take the lead [in the fifth], they responded with four and then we pumped two up there to tie it up, but they answered immediately and got two back. I didn’t love the execution, but the fight was there, and the competitiveness was there.”
Game 3: Alabama 10, Ole Miss 3 
Going into the rubber match of the series and Alabama, Zane Adams got the start for Alabama. The southpaw freshman lasted seven innings in a solid start, allowing Ole Miss to get just six hits and three earned runs and giving up just one walk before being pulled at the beginning of the bottom of the eighth. 
Adams gave Ole Miss an early 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second inning off an RBI single but did not allow another run until the bottom of the eighth inning. Adams threw 107 pitches in his outing and is now responsible for the two longest starts for an Alabama starting pitcher this season. 
“He did a great job of minimizing the damage in the second inning,” Vaughn said. “His poise and ability to not make the situation bigger than it is was impressive, and that allowed our offense to get going.” 
Third baseman Gage Miller got the offense going for Alabama; in the top of the third inning, Miller cranked a home run into left field to tie the game at 1. 
But the bats for Alabama were just getting started. 
In the top of the sixth inning, Lebron gave the Crimson Tide its first lead of the game with a two-run shot to put Alabama in front 3-1. The hit extended Lebron’s hitting streak to eight games. During the streak, Lebron has been batting .460 and has hit six home runs. 
Snell continued the scoring in the top of the sixth, doubling into left field to bring home a run and scoring himself off a wild pitch shortly after to bring the lead to 5-1. 
Alabama added three more runs between the seventh and eighth innings to get its biggest lead of the game at 8-1. Although Ole Miss cut Alabama’s lead to 5 with a two-run home run in the bottom of the eighth inning, Alabama’s offense was too strong for Ole Miss to handle. 
Alabama padded the scoreboard with two more runs thanks to RBI singles from McCants and Guscette to finalize the score at 10-3. The win marked Alabama’s first series win on the road this season. 
“We were just relentless down the stretch and crushed any hope of a comeback by continuing to tack on runs. This was a full team effort, and I’m just proud of the boys today,” Vaughn said. 
Up next, Alabama will have the middle of the week off to rest for its series next weekend in Starkville, Mississippi, as the Crimson Tide will take on the Bulldogs of Mississippi State. 
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<title>New ‘Rally Crew’ seeks to promote fan engagement and career prep</title>
<link>https://thecrimsonwhite.com/114457/sports/new-rally-crew-seeks-to-promote-fan-engagement-and-career-prep/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[ Grace Elliott, Contributing Writer]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Thu, 25 Apr 2024 01:21:50 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[SPORTS]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://thecrimsonwhite.com/?p=114457</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<a href="https://thecrimsonwhite.com/114457/sports/new-rally-crew-seeks-to-promote-fan-engagement-and-career-prep/" title="New ‘Rally Crew’ seeks to promote fan engagement and career prep" data-wpel-link="internal"><a href="https://thecrimsonwhite.com/114457/sports/new-rally-crew-seeks-to-promote-fan-engagement-and-career-prep/" title="New ‘Rally Crew’ seeks to promote fan engagement and career prep" rel="nofollow"><img width="1200" height="777" src="https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/HQH-0209.jpeg" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="1" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/HQH-0209.jpeg 1200w, https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/HQH-0209-600x389.jpeg 600w, https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/HQH-0209-768x497.jpeg 768w, https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/HQH-0209-300x194.jpeg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></a></a>Alabama baseball has an influx of new fans after a fan engagement program called the “Rally Crew” was introduced this semester. The group is led by Michelle Sipe, a student assistant at The University of Alabama majoring in communication studies with a minor in news media with a sports concentration. The program, which operates under...]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<a href="https://thecrimsonwhite.com/114457/sports/new-rally-crew-seeks-to-promote-fan-engagement-and-career-prep/" title="New ‘Rally Crew’ seeks to promote fan engagement and career prep" data-wpel-link="internal"><a href="https://thecrimsonwhite.com/114457/sports/new-rally-crew-seeks-to-promote-fan-engagement-and-career-prep/" title="New ‘Rally Crew’ seeks to promote fan engagement and career prep" rel="nofollow"><img width="1200" height="777" src="https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/HQH-0209.jpeg" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="1" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/HQH-0209.jpeg 1200w, https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/HQH-0209-600x389.jpeg 600w, https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/HQH-0209-768x497.jpeg 768w, https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/HQH-0209-300x194.jpeg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></a></a>Alabama baseball has an influx of new fans after a fan engagement program called the “Rally Crew” was introduced this semester. The group is led by Michelle Sipe, a student assistant at The University of Alabama majoring in communication studies with a minor in news media with a sports concentration.
The program, which operates under the marketing and fan engagement department within Alabama athletics, seeks to engage with all fans, not just the student section. 
“I wanted to provide more fan engagement and in-game entertainment to people primarily in the concourse,” Sipe said. 
The Rally Crew was founded when Sipe had the idea to captivate fans to encourage higher attendance. 
“My sophomore year, I actually went up to somebody that was working on the field, and I was like, ‘How do I do that?’” Sipe said. 
Sipe said that there are many activities, such as the Whataburger Fry Shuffle, meant for student engagement, but hardly anything for the fans behind the plate. 
Freshman Rally Crew member and communications studies major Emily Toth said that although the program is very new, she has had an amazing experience. 
“Being able to be more involved in the games has been so exciting and I absolutely love it,” Toth said. “We got to throw T-shirts to the crowd, be a part of the ‘play ball’ televised part of the game, as well as being part of gear of the game. At the end of the game, we are told to teach the crowd the ‘Cotton-Eyed Joe.’” 
Freshman creative media major Avery Kinzer said she joined the Rally Crew to be more involved in Alabama athletics from the sidelines. 
“I loved being able to be more in the game, and being able to help others is always a great experience,” Kinzer said. 
Sipe is optimistic about the future of the Rally Crew and has many ideas to bring it to the next level. 
“Several girls have expressed interest in maybe next year, we make a captain for the squad so maybe they can be a leader having done the inaugural year,” Sipe said. “I want to be able to do fundraising. Other schools will host birthday parties at their baseball parks or have bat girls, so kids can come shadow.” 
Toth expressed gratitude about the opportunity Sipe and the Rally Crew have offered her. 
“The Rally Crew has been an opportunity for me to experience a tiny portion of what my future career could look like,” Toth said. 
Kinzer said she hopes the Rally Crew can help her further her entertainment skills. 
“I think Rally Crew will help me become more confident in my ability to communicate and be able to get the attention of a crowd,” Kinzer said. “I am so grateful to be a part of Alabama baseball and the Rally Crew altogether.” 
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<title>Alabama women’s basketball sees major changes during the offseason</title>
<link>https://thecrimsonwhite.com/114454/sports/alabama-womens-basketball-sees-major-changes-during-the-offseason/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[ Courtney Larrimore, Staff Writer]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Thu, 25 Apr 2024 01:18:48 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[SPORTS]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://thecrimsonwhite.com/?p=114454</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<a href="https://thecrimsonwhite.com/114454/sports/alabama-womens-basketball-sees-major-changes-during-the-offseason/" title="Alabama women’s basketball sees major changes during the offseason" data-wpel-link="internal"><a href="https://thecrimsonwhite.com/114454/sports/alabama-womens-basketball-sees-major-changes-during-the-offseason/" title="Alabama women’s basketball sees major changes during the offseason" rel="nofollow"><img width="1200" height="800" src="https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Met-31.jpeg" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="1" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Met-31.jpeg 1200w, https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Met-31-600x400.jpeg 600w, https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Met-31-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Met-31-300x200.jpeg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></a></a>This year, Alabama women’s basketball made its 13th appearance in the women’s basketball NCAA tournament and found its first tournament win since 2021.  Despite the victories that laced this season, some losses may leave the team wondering about next year’s fate.  With the confetti settled and the nets down, the women’s team has undergone significant...]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<a href="https://thecrimsonwhite.com/114454/sports/alabama-womens-basketball-sees-major-changes-during-the-offseason/" title="Alabama women’s basketball sees major changes during the offseason" data-wpel-link="internal"><a href="https://thecrimsonwhite.com/114454/sports/alabama-womens-basketball-sees-major-changes-during-the-offseason/" title="Alabama women’s basketball sees major changes during the offseason" rel="nofollow"><img width="1200" height="800" src="https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Met-31.jpeg" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="1" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Met-31.jpeg 1200w, https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Met-31-600x400.jpeg 600w, https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Met-31-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Met-31-300x200.jpeg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></a></a>This year, Alabama women’s basketball made its 13th appearance in the women’s basketball NCAA tournament and found its first tournament win since 2021.
Despite the victories that laced this season, some losses may leave the team wondering about next year’s fate.  
With the confetti settled and the nets down, the women’s team has undergone significant changes in the offseason with departures in the transfer portal to fresh faces on the roster and coaching staff. 
Departures 
Despite announcing during their senior night celebrations that they’d be starting a graduate program at the Capstone, guards Loyal McQueen and Aaliyah Nye announced they have decided to leave Alabama.  
McQueen, who transferred to Alabama from Georgia Tech in 2021, had been a staple in Alabama’s lineup since her debut in 2022 and started in all 34 games this season.   
The guard averaged nearly 10 points a game with a 40.4% field goal percentage and a 31.4% 3-pointer percentage.  
In addition to McQueen’s announcement earlier this week, Nye, who transferred to Alabama from the University of Illinois in her junior season, would also be leaving Alabama.  
This loss leaves the team without one of its best assets. Nye is currently ranked third in the country for her 3-point shot behind WNBA first overall draft pick Caitlin Clark and WNBA second-round draft pick Dyaisha Fair.  
The guard holds the program record for most 3-pointers made in a season with 108 and recently joined the 1,000-career-point club while at Alabama.  
Although these two guards had thoroughly seated themselves with the program, another transferring player was only here for one season before deciding the Crimson Tide wasn’t for her.  
Meg Newman, a redshirt sophomore out of Arizona State, was a four-star recruit coming out of high school but hasn’t seen much playing time since her college debut in 2021.  
After averaging only 3.9 points on just over 17 minutes a game in her second season with the Sun Devils, she joined Alabama head coach Kristy Curry’s program but still averaged only 1.4 points and 8.7 minutes for her inaugural season at Alabama.  
New faces 
Despite the program’s losses, the offseason has also seen some victories, including new faces joining the program.  
On April 16, the program announced that University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff transfer Zaay Green would join the Crimson Tide, and on April 23, Curry announced the signing of Ohio State transfer Diana Collins.  
After initially signing with Tennessee, where Green played for two seasons before transferring, the 2018 McDonald’s All-American played 55 games for the Lions and averaged 16.7 points per game, leaving her only 0.1 points below Alabama’s leading scorer guard, Sarah Ashlee Barker.  
Green also led the Lions in rebounds and assists, averaging 7.6 and 5.6 per game.  
While Collins didn’t find as many on-court accolades with the Buckeyes after making only 18 appearances and averaging 3 points a game, the guard was a four-star recruit coming out of high school and played for Team Sweden in the International Basketball Federation U20 Women’s European Championship, averaging 11.6 points a game.  
The sophomore was also selected for the 2023 Women’s Nike Hoop Summit and the Georgia all-state teams after leading her high school to its first win in program history.  
While Green and Collins will help fill the holes left by McQueen and Nye, they are not the only faces the program will add.  
New coach 
Curry announced last Friday that the program will add a former Arkansas assistant coach and recruiting coordinator, Pauline Love, to its coaching staff. 
Before helping the Razorbacks achieve five straight tournament-eligible seasons, Love had a highly successful playing career. She’s still a program leader at her alma mater, Southern Mississippi, ranking in the top 10 in nine categories. After college, Love played professionally for the Connecticut Sun and the French professional league. 
Love has recruited and signed five-star recruits and McDonald’s All-American recipients Maryam Dauda, Jersey Wolfenbarger and Taliah Scott, creating hope for the Crimson Tide’s upcoming recruiting classes.   
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<title>Baseball puts up 11 runs in the third inning against the Samford Bulldogs in Tuesday night win</title>
<link>https://thecrimsonwhite.com/114451/top-stories/baseball-puts-up-11-runs-in-the-third-inning-against-the-samford-bulldogs-in-tuesday-night-win/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[ Michael DeVito, Contributing Writer]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Thu, 25 Apr 2024 01:15:33 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[SPORTS]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[TOP STORIES]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://thecrimsonwhite.com/?p=114451</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<a href="https://thecrimsonwhite.com/114451/top-stories/baseball-puts-up-11-runs-in-the-third-inning-against-the-samford-bulldogs-in-tuesday-night-win/" title="Baseball puts up 11 runs in the third inning against the Samford Bulldogs in Tuesday night win" data-wpel-link="internal"><a href="https://thecrimsonwhite.com/114451/top-stories/baseball-puts-up-11-runs-in-the-third-inning-against-the-samford-bulldogs-in-tuesday-night-win/" title="Baseball puts up 11 runs in the third inning against the Samford Bulldogs in Tuesday night win" rel="nofollow"><img width="1199" height="784" src="https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/HQH-9928.jpeg" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="1" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/HQH-9928.jpeg 1199w, https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/HQH-9928-600x392.jpeg 600w, https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/HQH-9928-768x502.jpeg 768w, https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/HQH-9928-300x196.jpeg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 1199px) 100vw, 1199px" /></a></a>On Tuesday night, the Samford Bulldogs traveled from Birmingham to Tuscaloosa to take on Alabama baseball in a midweek matchup. In this second meeting with the Bulldogs, the win went to the Crimson Tide for the second time this year with a final score of 14-5. Left-hander Kade Snell got the ball against the Bulldogs....]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<a href="https://thecrimsonwhite.com/114451/top-stories/baseball-puts-up-11-runs-in-the-third-inning-against-the-samford-bulldogs-in-tuesday-night-win/" title="Baseball puts up 11 runs in the third inning against the Samford Bulldogs in Tuesday night win" data-wpel-link="internal"><a href="https://thecrimsonwhite.com/114451/top-stories/baseball-puts-up-11-runs-in-the-third-inning-against-the-samford-bulldogs-in-tuesday-night-win/" title="Baseball puts up 11 runs in the third inning against the Samford Bulldogs in Tuesday night win" rel="nofollow"><img width="1199" height="784" src="https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/HQH-9928.jpeg" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="1" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/HQH-9928.jpeg 1199w, https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/HQH-9928-600x392.jpeg 600w, https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/HQH-9928-768x502.jpeg 768w, https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/HQH-9928-300x196.jpeg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 1199px) 100vw, 1199px" /></a></a>On Tuesday night, the Samford Bulldogs traveled from Birmingham to Tuscaloosa to take on Alabama baseball in a midweek matchup. In this second meeting with the Bulldogs, the win went to the Crimson Tide for the second time this year with a final score of 14-5.
Left-hander Kade Snell got the ball against the Bulldogs. The Alabama native previously started last Tuesday against the UAB Blazers, making Tuesday night the second straight start for Snell against Alabama programs. 
The Bulldogs jumped on the scoreboard first in the top of the second inning. After securing the first two outs in the inning, Snell found himself in trouble. An RBI double into left center field brought home one, and an RBI single into right brought home the second run of the inning. A two-run no-doubt home run launched over the playground in left field gave Samford a 4-0 lead. Snell did not return for the top of the third, being replaced by righty Ariston Veasey.
“We got down 4-0 and our guys didn’t flinch,” Alabama head coach Rob Vaughn said. “They kept running good at-bats off, they had a plan for what was coming, and we ended up doing a really good job at the plate tonight. I was proud of the guys, proud of their effort. It’s good to keep this thing rolling as we head to Oxford tomorrow.” 
In response, Alabama’s offense came alive for 11 runs in the bottom of the third inning. 
A trio of two-run home runs from shortstop Justin Lebron, center fielder TJ McCants and right fielder Evan Sleight gave Alabama the 6-4 lead. Lebron and first baseman Will Hodo further contributed with a pair of two-RBI doubles to make it 10-4. Hodo later came around and scored on a passed ball for the 11th Crimson Tide run of the inning.
“They really allowed me to settle in and not be nervous. Really there’s just no pressure on me. They expect me to do great things,” Lebron said of the team’s leadership. “They just teach me little things here and there in certain moments that I learn from.”
A sacrifice fly from Hodo cashed in third baseman Gage Miller to push Alabama’s lead to 7, and then Snell shook off his rough outing on the mound by coming through at the plate. Snell brought in two runs with a double just fair down the right-field line to put the Crimson Tide up 14-5.
“We are all aware that showing up to the field here is an honor and something you can’t take for granted,” Sleight said regarding the team’s energy. “When it comes down to it, we are really lucky playing baseball here, and bringing energy is something you got to do to have a good team.”
Looking ahead to the weekend, the Crimson Tide has yet to win a road game in SEC play this season, sitting at 0-6 after being swept by both Georgia and Kentucky. With the SEC tournament approaching, it will be important for Alabama to get the ball rolling away from home. The first pitch in Game 1 against the Rebels is scheduled for Thursday at 6:30 p.m. CT.
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<title>Alabama softball drops 2 out of 3 versus Arkansas</title>
<link>https://thecrimsonwhite.com/114444/sports/alabama-softball-drops-2-out-of-3-versus-arkansas/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[ Nazario Pangallo, Contributing Writer]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 22 Apr 2024 16:11:52 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[SPORTS]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://thecrimsonwhite.com/?p=114444</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<a href="https://thecrimsonwhite.com/114444/sports/alabama-softball-drops-2-out-of-3-versus-arkansas/" title="Alabama softball drops 2 out of 3 versus Arkansas" data-wpel-link="internal"><a href="https://thecrimsonwhite.com/114444/sports/alabama-softball-drops-2-out-of-3-versus-arkansas/" title="Alabama softball drops 2 out of 3 versus Arkansas" rel="nofollow"><img width="1023" height="568" src="https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Screenshot-2024-04-22-111110.png" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="1" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Screenshot-2024-04-22-111110.png 1023w, https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Screenshot-2024-04-22-111110-600x333.png 600w, https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Screenshot-2024-04-22-111110-768x426.png 768w, https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Screenshot-2024-04-22-111110-300x167.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 1023px) 100vw, 1023px" /></a></a>Last weekend Alabama fell in two out of three at home to Texas A&M, and its SEC record fell to 7-8. The Crimson Tide’s quest to avoid the program’s first-ever losing record in SEC play looked bleak as this weekend Alabama went to Fayetteville, Arkansas, to face the No. 14 Razorbacks. In Game 1 of...]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<a href="https://thecrimsonwhite.com/114444/sports/alabama-softball-drops-2-out-of-3-versus-arkansas/" title="Alabama softball drops 2 out of 3 versus Arkansas" data-wpel-link="internal"><a href="https://thecrimsonwhite.com/114444/sports/alabama-softball-drops-2-out-of-3-versus-arkansas/" title="Alabama softball drops 2 out of 3 versus Arkansas" rel="nofollow"><img width="1023" height="568" src="https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Screenshot-2024-04-22-111110.png" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="1" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Screenshot-2024-04-22-111110.png 1023w, https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Screenshot-2024-04-22-111110-600x333.png 600w, https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Screenshot-2024-04-22-111110-768x426.png 768w, https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Screenshot-2024-04-22-111110-300x167.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 1023px) 100vw, 1023px" /></a></a>Last weekend Alabama fell in two out of three at home to Texas A&M, and its SEC record fell to 7-8. The Crimson Tide’s quest to avoid the program’s first-ever losing record in SEC play looked bleak as this weekend Alabama went to Fayetteville, Arkansas, to face the No. 14 Razorbacks.
In Game 1 of the series, the Razorbacks scraped across a run in the bottom of the ninth to walk off the first game 1-0 and put Alabama at 7-9 in the SEC. 
But Team 28 woke back up Saturday determined to not let that happen. It took five innings for the offense to break through in Game 2, but once it did, the game was decided. 
In Game 2, Arkansas put up a run in the first on a wild pitch, and it was do-or-die time for the Crimson Tide. A pair of hits from right fielder Kendal Clark and first baseman Emma Broadfoot put runners on first and third with no outs. 
Clark and Broadfoot found ways to get on base, but it was second baseman Kali Heivilin and center fielder Lauren Johnson who delivered two RBIs to give Alabama its first lead of the series at 2-1. 
The dugout knew it couldn’t sit on just two runs, so when left fielder Jenna Johnson walked up to the plate with two runners on and two outs, everyone was up against the fence anxiously waiting to see their leader capitalize on this golden opportunity. 
Jenna Johnson worked her way into a 3-1 count. In Game 1 the Crimson Tide was consistently behind in the count, and Arkansas’ Morgan Leinstock was able to stay ahead of hitters and throw her pitch, but Jenna Johnson flipped that script Saturday night. Knowing that she was about to get a perfect pitch to hit, Jenna Johnson loaded up and launched the 3-1 pitch over the center field wall to send the dugout into a frenzy.
<div class='infographicwidget'><div class='left'>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
BOOOM!
In the big inning last night, <a href="https://twitter.com/JennaJohnson88?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" data-wpel-link="external" target="_blank" rel="external noopener noreferrer">@JennaJohnson88</a> had the BIG swing. A three-run homer made it 5-1 for the Tide.
Here’s the <a href="https://twitter.com/UA_CTSN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" data-wpel-link="external" target="_blank" rel="external noopener noreferrer">@UA_CTSN</a> and booth reaction: <a href="https://t.co/4tO1qiTNLG" data-wpel-link="external" target="_blank" rel="external noopener noreferrer">pic.twitter.com/4tO1qiTNLG</a>
— Out of the Box (@OutoftheBox_Pod) <a href="https://twitter.com/OutoftheBox_Pod/status/1782043719618965899?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" data-wpel-link="external" target="_blank" rel="external noopener noreferrer">April 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div></div> 
A four-run cushion was all freshman pitcher Jocelyn Briski needed as she allowed just two runners to reach base in the final three innings en route to her seventh victory of the season. Briski only struck out three but worked around the strike zone well, inducing weak contact a number of times. 
Coming to the field Sunday, Alabama was full of hope coming off its gritty win Saturday. Just one more victory and the Crimson Tide could escape Bogle Park with a series victory. 
All that hope was dashed in the first inning of Game 3 as the Razorbacks scored seven runs to all but wrap things up. 
Graduate student Kayla Beaver started in the circle and tried to replicate her Game 1 performance, in which she held Arkansas scoreless for eight straight innings. Beaver failed to make it out of the first inning of Game 3 as she recorded just two outs and allowed seven earned runs. 
The Razorbacks added one in the bottom of the fourth to make it 8-0 as the Crimson Tide was shut out for the second time in this series. 
The loss drops Alabama to 8-10 in conference play with just six games remaining. Three of those six will be played next weekend at Rhoads Stadium against the SEC-leading Tennessee Volunteers, who are ranked No. 4 in the country. 
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<title>The bond of Alabama men’s tennis goes beyond the courts</title>
<link>https://thecrimsonwhite.com/114441/top-stories/the-bond-of-alabama-mens-tennis-goes-beyond-the-courts/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[ Graham Baakko, Contributing Writer]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 22 Apr 2024 02:04:09 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[SPORTS]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[TOP STORIES]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://thecrimsonwhite.com/?p=114441</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<a href="https://thecrimsonwhite.com/114441/top-stories/the-bond-of-alabama-mens-tennis-goes-beyond-the-courts/" title="The bond of Alabama men’s tennis goes beyond the courts" data-wpel-link="internal"><a href="https://thecrimsonwhite.com/114441/top-stories/the-bond-of-alabama-mens-tennis-goes-beyond-the-courts/" title="The bond of Alabama men’s tennis goes beyond the courts" rel="nofollow"><img width="1200" height="805" src="https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/HQH-6395.jpeg" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="1" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/HQH-6395.jpeg 1200w, https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/HQH-6395-600x403.jpeg 600w, https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/HQH-6395-768x515.jpeg 768w, https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/HQH-6395-300x201.jpeg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></a></a>Eight players. Seven countries. “The experience here is about tennis and they come here because of tennis, but everything we do every day and everything that we experience every day, it’s very little about tennis,” head coach George Husack said. With just one player on the roster from the United States, the team has had...]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<a href="https://thecrimsonwhite.com/114441/top-stories/the-bond-of-alabama-mens-tennis-goes-beyond-the-courts/" title="The bond of Alabama men’s tennis goes beyond the courts" data-wpel-link="internal"><a href="https://thecrimsonwhite.com/114441/top-stories/the-bond-of-alabama-mens-tennis-goes-beyond-the-courts/" title="The bond of Alabama men’s tennis goes beyond the courts" rel="nofollow"><img width="1200" height="805" src="https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/HQH-6395.jpeg" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="1" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/HQH-6395.jpeg 1200w, https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/HQH-6395-600x403.jpeg 600w, https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/HQH-6395-768x515.jpeg 768w, https://thecrimsonwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/HQH-6395-300x201.jpeg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></a></a>Eight players. Seven countries.
“The experience here is about tennis and they come here because of tennis, but everything we do every day and everything that we experience every day, it’s very little about tennis,” head coach George Husack said. 
With just one player on the roster from the United States, the team has had a unique experience of learning from each other and overcoming challenges from the beginning of the season. 
The lone player from the United States is junior Zach Foster, who is from San Antonio, Texas. While his experience may not have been what he expected, Foster says his experience has been fun. 
“It’s definitely been an interesting experience for me, but it’s been a lot of fun,” Foster said. “I’ve gotten to learn about so many different things about so many different cultures.” 
Foster highlighted one of the challenges at the beginning of the season was getting used to how each player communicates. 
“The one challenge I would say is getting to understand the different types of humor and learning about the nuances with other cultures,” Foster said. 
One way the team and coaches have overcome challenges is being intentional about building personal connections with one another. 
“We spend a considerable amount of time having the guys do stuff away from the courts,” Husack said. “My assistants and I bring each player to lunch … so we’re just hanging out with them, learning more about who they are, and the players are learning about us.” 
One challenge players face is being a long way from home. But Husack and his coaching staff found a way to honor each player’s home country. 
“It’s important to me to have something for them that reminds them of home,” Husack said. “They have the country of where they are from hanging in their locker and on the nameplate of their locker is a little flag for them.” 
Junior Enzo Aguiard, from Melbourne, Australia, says that the cultural differences are the reason why the team has such a close bond. 
“At the start, it was a bit hard to relate to one another, but I think the differences brought us together because we are all super good friends now,” Aguiard said. 
“We all have different lifestyles and behaviors, but at the same time, we are all such good friends, so it’s nice to see,” sophomore Yair Sarouk said. “I just love the idea. It [uniqueness] was a big reason why I came here,” Sarouk said. 
The bond between players that forms outside of the sport translates onto the courts as well. With multiple different backgrounds, Alabama uses its diversity to its advantage. 
“It gives us a broad view of the world,” Foster said. “I grew up playing in U.S. tournaments, so it’s good to see these guys from all different places with different game styles.” 
“What comes onto the court is the great bond between us, and that comes from all the laughter and good emotions from off the court,” Sarouk said. 
Although each player has a different background both on and off the court, competitiveness is what bonds the team on the court. 
“They all have different views of tennis, and they have all learned from different people, but in the end they’ve all learned to compete, and that’s the language that everyone speaks,” Husack said. 
Aguiard says the most important thing he has learned from this season’s team is the different perspectives he has gained. 
“It’s really important to see the world through a different perspective,” Aguiard said. “Even just to see how people live and take their day differently, I think it’s really important just to see different things.” 
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