Former Eureka Softball Player Helps University of Alabama to Nab Victory and World Series

OKLAHOMA CITY -- University of Alabama third baseman Courtney Conley, a 2009 graduate of , helped lead the Crimson Tide to a 2-1 win over defending national champion Arizona State last Friday night in the Women's College Softball World Series at Hall of Fame Stadium.      

Conley triggered a rally with a single in the fourth inning. She eventually came around to score the tying run. Conley surprised the Arizona State defense with a bunt down the third-base line.     

"I was just trying to get on base," Conley said. "I haven't been hitting the ball (well). I already had a strike on me, so I thought I might as well try and get the bunt down -- and it worked."      

The 5-foot-9 inch junior is hitting .292 with six homers and 25 RBI for the Tide (57-7).      

Alabama, which beat Tennessee in the first round on Thursday, reached the semifinals and won the best-of-three championship series, which began Monday night. Conley and teammates secured the final 5-4 win over Oklahoma on Wednesday.

Conley set Eureka High records in homers (19), RBI (42) and batting average (.607) in an impressive 2007 campaign. She was selected as the Missouri Gatorade Player of the Year.     

Conley started 46 games for Alabama last season with seven homers and 26 RBI. Born in Robertsville, MO, she has stepped up her game steadily over the past two seasons.     

"She's come into her own defensively," Alabama coach Patrick Murphy said. "She's made some acrobatic, spectacular defensive plays. She's just much more confident."     

Conley slapped a solo homer in Alabama's 1-0 win over Georgia on May 11 in the SEC Tournament.