TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama softball ace Montana Fouts did not start Friday night’s game against Long Island in the NCAA Tournament after hyperextending her leg in last week’s game against Arkansas in the SEC tournament. She was in uniform for the game but was wearing a brace on her left knee.
Here’s what you need to know:
- The Crimson Tide (40-18) earned the top seed in this weekend’s Tuscaloosa Regional and are joined by No. 2 seed Middle Tennessee, No. 3 seed Central Arkansas and No. 4 seed Long Island in a double-elimination format en route to the Women’s College World Series.
- Coach Patrick Murphy described Fouts’ status as “day-to-day” during Thursday’s news conference also noting that her prognosis is “a lot better” than expected.
- Fouts is a three-time NFCA All-American and leads the nation with 311 strikeouts this season. She holds a 23-9 record with a 1.44 ERA.
What does this mean for Alabama?
In Fouts’ absence, junior Jaala Torrence got the start against Long Island. Torrence, who threw a no-hitter against Robert Morris in March, entered the game with a 6-2 record and a 2.71 ERA and 46 strikeouts in 62 innings. The Tide also have sophomore Alex Salter and senior Lauren Esman as options in the circle. Salter, who replaced Fouts following her…
