What we have learned about No. 3 Alabama softball through 15 games

Brett Greenberg

The Tuscaloosa News

No. 3 ranked Alabama softball is undefeated through 15 games after a 4-0 win over Mississippi State on Wednesday night that was powered by a career strikeout night by Montana Fouts.

The Crimson Tide will host Kent State, UNI and South Alabama this weekend in the Easton T-Town Showdown.

SEC play will begin March 12 with a weekend series at Auburn.

Here's what we know about Alabama so far:

Crimson Tide settling in

Alabama softball had its longest break between games, roughly 350 days, due to the early halt of last season due to COVID-19. Coach Patrick Murphy and the rest of the Alabama team were eager to get back and show what type of team they are. "It's definitely been pretty crazy especially with COVID-19," said infielder Bailey Dowling. "We have our bubble the team can't leave, which has brought us even closer together. It's been great."

Rotation among nation's best

Lexi Kilfoyl and Fouts combined for a perfect game in the opener. Kilfoyl threw a no-hitter last weekend. Fouts broke her previous record for strikeouts with 16 on Wednesday night.

The Crimson Tide rotation boasts a 0.85 ERA, good for top-five in the country, and leads the nation in shutouts (8).

The rotation has struck out 132 and given up 12 earned runs in 99 innings.

Kaylee Tow producing in her fourth year

Last week's Louisville Slugger/NFCA Player of the Week is hitting .450 with a .750 slugging percentage and .511 on-base percentage.

Tow, a senior, is tied on the team with Dowling for home runs (3) and RBIs (16).

Dowling offers Murphy versatility

The freshman from Illinois has been nearly everywhere in the lineup and has started at second base and shortstop. She went 3-for-4 with a two-run home run and five RBIs against LSU.

"I'm comfortable in the middle of the infield, but I'm always down for a challenge, too," said Dowling. "If Murph wants to throw me in the outfield, I'll be ready for it." Green-light girls are a full go

Elissa Brown, Alexis Mack and KB Sides are called the green-light girls for a reason. The three have combined for 23 stolen bases in 28 attempts. Brown leads the team with 11.

As a team, Alabama is 30-for-37, good for top 25 in the nation.

Easton T-Town Showdown tournament schedule

Alabama will play a doubleheader against Kent State on Friday beginning at 4 p.m.

The Crimson Tide will face UNI two times Saturday, beginning at 11 a.m.

Alabama will play Sunday against South Alabama at 4 p.m. on SEC Network.