Crimson Tide

The Crimson Tide made it to the semifinal round of last year’s Women’s College World Series before being eliminated by eventual national champion Arizona State, finishing two victories short of a berth in the best-of-three national title playoff. Alabama players gained confidence from that high finish.“It’s like fire inside of us now. We know the outcome of last year. We’re using that to push us. We wanted to be the best. We know we are and we can be the best.”

And while Alabama will have proven seniors at key positions -- behind the plate with catcher Ashley Holcombe, at third base with Montalvo, at shortstop with Kellie Eubanks, at second with Lauren Parker and in center with Rogers -- there are major questions.“A lot of it depends on our recovery, overcoming some injuries and some surgeries over the summer,” Murphy said.

Parker, who batted .310 and drove in 38 runs in just 37 starts, underwent her second shoulder surgery since arriving at UA. Injuries shortened her season the last two years, and Murphy plans to hold her out more in hopes that she will be around at the end.Alabama will also rely on its class of seven freshmen, including power hitter Amanda Locke, who sat out last season as a redshirt.