TUSCALOOSA, AL — Top-seeded Alabama opened the 2026 Women’s College World Series with a statement Thursday night by defeating No. 2 seed UCLA 6-3 at Devon Park to move into the winner’s bracket.
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The Crimson Tide (55-7) overcame an early deficit and used a three-run sixth inning to pull away from the Bruins (52-9), avenging last season’s WCWS opening-round loss to UCLA.
Alabama finished with 10 hits and did not commit an error, while UCLA managed six hits and committed one error.
Decorated Tide pitcher Jocelyn Briski (24-3) secured the win in the circle for Alabama.
The Tide struck first in the opening inning, taking a 1-0 lead before UCLA answered with a three-run third inning.
Alabama chipped away before breaking through in the fifth inning, scoring twice to tie the game at 3-3.
The Crimson Tide then seized control in the sixth, thanks in large part to a Brooke Wells' one-out homer that plated three runs to build a decisive 6-3 lead.
With the victory, Alabama advances in the winner's bracket and moves one step closer to its first national championship since 2012.
Alabama will play the winner of Thursday night's game between Nebraska and Arkansas Razorbacks in the Women's College World Series winner's bracket.
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