Alabama softball advances to Super Regional round via Ally Shipman's home run over MTSU

Alabama softball is back in the Super Regional round of the NCAA Tournament after Ally Shipman delivered a home run in the top of the seventh inning to break a scoreless tie.

Alabama would earn a 1-0 win over Middle Tennessee State, thanks to Shipman's big hit. It is the 17th time Alabama has made the Super Regional round, out of 18 times since the format was adopted in 2005. Coach Patrick Muprhy said it’s great to be back as "it's almost like that's where we're supposed to be."

The No. 5 seeded Crimson Tide turned to Jaala Torrence who shut down the Blue Raiders with eight strikeouts and allowed only five hits. Montana Fouts did not appear during the regional round.

Both teams combined for 10 hits but struggled to bat with runners on, going a combined 2 of 13. Middle Tennessee State (42-20) is eliminated from the NCAA Tournament.

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Early Pitchers duel

Torrence continued her dominant stretch, retiring the first seven batters, four by strikeout. Kamryn Carcich started for MTSU and traded zeros with Torrence through the first six innings. While runs have come easy in the Tuscaloosa Regional, it's the second pitcher's duel that MTSU has found themselves in, in as many days.

Hard-hit balls fall short

Alabama had its opportunities and almost took advantage of some pitches sending them to the warning track. That's all they were, hard-hit balls that fell into the MTSU gloves. Alabama managed two hits through five innings but will look back at some *almost* home runs that could've opened up the game. Luckily for the Crimson Tide, Shipman's home run fell on the right side of the fence.

This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Alabama softball advances to Super Regional with win over MTSU