9TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (February 21, 2024) – The University of North Alabama softball team faced a ranked opponent for the first time this season, falling 9-1 in six innings against No. 10 Alabama on Wednesday at Rhoads Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala.
 
Today marks the first time UNA has lost back-to-back games this season, moving to a 7-4 record. Meanwhile, the nationally-ranked Crimson Tide remain unbeaten with an 11-0 record. Both teams will compete at UAB this weekend in the Green & Gold Classic.
 
Alabama took an early lead with six runs over the first three innings. UNA scored its lone run in the fourth inning, as reigning ASUN Player of the Week Hailey Jones rolled a leadoff double in right-center field and scored on an RBI grounder by senior infielder Haven Kirby.
 
Jones finished 2-for-3 on the day with a single and a double. She has eight hits over the last six games.
 
The Tide went scoreless for a couple of frames before scoring three runs in the sixth to end it.
 
Alabama became the first team to figure out the Rubik's Cube that has been North Alabama ace Alivia Wilken, giving her just her second loss of the season. Wilken now has a 1.93 ERA through 36.1 innings this season — her first time in seven appearances being above a 1.00 ERA.
 
Junior transfer Cassidy Duskin entered in relief and completed 2.2 innings, including a pair of scoreless frames in the fourth and fifth innings. Jaala Torrence got the win for Alabama with 6.0 innings and just two hits allowed.
 
Despite the loss, UNA got a pair of eye-catching defensive plays in the outfield from seniors Felicity Frame and Sidney Bevis. Both prevented potential multi-base hits.

  Pitchers of Record
W – Jaala Torrence (4-0)
L – Alivia Wilken (4-2)
S – None
 
COMING UP NEXT
 
The Lions and Tide both head to UAB for the Green & Gold Classic this weekend. The Lions will start on Friday at 9 a.m. against Bradley and 11:15 a.m. against Western Carolina. UNA finishes up Saturday with host UAB at 1:30 p.m. and with a rematch against Alabama at 6 p.m.
 
For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit www.roarlions.com and follow UNA Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.