🐘🥎Alabama Softball Sweeps No. 6 Florida State Behind Pupillo’s Two-Homer Day in Tallahassee

Crimson Tide Improves to 12-0 as Jocelyn Briski Fans Career-High Nine; Elon Game Halted by Rain at Dugout Club Classic

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. | Statement made.

The Alabama Crimson Tide softball continued its early-season surge Saturday, securing a weekend sweep of No. 6 Florida State Seminoles softball with a commanding 5-1 victory at the Dugout Club Classic. One night after an 8-0 shutout, Alabama (12-0) leaned on timely power and dominant pitching to leave Tallahassee unbeaten.

The Tide’s second scheduled game against Elon was called in the third inning due to rain and will not be resumed, but the headline belonged to Alabama’s continued dominance against one of the ACC’s perennial powers.

Pupillo Powers the Tide

Alabama Softball Player Alexis Pupillo (31) in action against Florida State during the
Dugout Club Classic at Joanne Graf Field in Tallahassee, FL on Saturday, Feb 21, 2026.

Alexis Pupillo delivered a career-defining performance, launching two home runs — her fifth career multi-homer game and first since arriving in Tuscaloosa.

Her first blast, a solo shot over the scoreboard in the top of the first, set the tone. She struck again in the fifth inning with a two-run liner down the right-field line, pushing Alabama’s lead to 4-0.

Pupillo became the first Crimson Tide player to hit two or more home runs in a game since Brooke Ellestad and Kali Heivilin accomplished the feat against Iowa on March 7, 2025.

The power surge didn’t stop there.

Mari Hubbard crushed her first home run of the season in the fourth inning, while Jena Young launched her second of the year to open the sixth — part of a balanced offensive attack that has defined Alabama’s undefeated start.

Briski’s Command in the Circle

Alabama Softball Player Jocelyn Briski (23) in action against Florida State during the
Dugout Club Classic at Joanne Graf Field in Tallahassee, FL on Saturday, Feb 21, 2026.

While the bats supplied fireworks, Jocelyn Briski delivered precision.

The right-hander (3-0) tossed a complete game, striking out a career-high nine batters. Even more impressive: 70 of her 84 pitches were strikes — an 83% strike rate — underscoring her command against one of the nation’s most dangerous lineups.

Florida State (11-4) managed just one run, a two-out solo home run from Makenna Sturgis in the bottom of the seventh to break up the shutout.

Alabama head coach Patrick Murphy praised the consistency of his pitching staff.

“We’ve had four straight great starts by four different pitchers. I’m very proud of Jocelyn for pounding the strike zone all day against Florida State. Our hitters continue to make quick adjustments during the game. Credit to Adam Arbour for having our hitters ready.”

Through 12 games, Alabama’s staff has shown depth, discipline, and efficiency — hallmarks of a team positioning itself as an early SEC contender.

By the Numbers: Alabama vs. Florida State

• Alabama improves to 12-0
• Pupillo: 2 HRs (fifth career multi-homer game)
• Briski: 9 strikeouts, 84 pitches, 83% strikes
• Marlie Giles and Jena Young: Reached base in 11 straight games
• Weekend sweep over a Top-10 opponent on the road

For a program that annually competes for Women’s College World Series contention, sweeping Florida State in Tallahassee signals more than a hot start — it signals postseason-caliber potential.

What It Means Nationally

Early-season nonconference tournaments often serve as measuring sticks. For Alabama, beating a top-10 ACC powerhouse twice on its home field strengthens its résumé and could influence future NCAA regional seeding discussions.

In the increasingly competitive SEC-ACC softball landscape, head-to-head results matter. And Alabama just delivered two emphatic statements.

Up Next

Alabama concludes play at the Dugout Club Classic on Sunday, Feb. 22, facing Dartmouth at 9 a.m. CT.

If the Tide’s pitching rotation and power production continue trending upward, 12-0 may simply be the beginning.

#RollTide🐘🥎, #AlabamaSoftball🥎, #SECSoftball🔥, #Top10Win, #CollegeSoftball, #RoadSweep, #WCWSWatch👀, #TELLITLIKEITISSports🥎, 

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-- By James W. Thomas

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