Alabama softball is back in the NCAA Tournament for the 26th consecutive time. The Crimson Tide will begin its quest to return to Oklahoma City for the Women’s College World Series Friday in Tuscaloosa.

UA will face Jackson State in its first game of the Tuscaloosa regional, with first pitch scheduled for 5:20 p.m. CT at Rhoads Stadium. Patrick Murphy’s squad is the No. 15 seed in the tournament, one of the last teams to earn a hosting spot.

JSU earned its way into the tournament by winning the SWAC. The Tigers enter the game at 29-23 on the season.

Follow along here for live updates once the game gets underway. The matchup will be aired on ESPN+.

3rd inning

— Jackson State is once again unable to get anyone on base.

2nd inning

— Same result for Alabama and the game remains scoreless after two.

— Another strong inning defensively for the Tide. No runs, no hits, nobody on for Jackson State.

1st inning

— Alabama is the designated home team and will bat second.

— Tigers go down in order to start the inning.

— Crimson Tide strands two batters at the bottom of the inning. Onto the second, game still tied 0-0.

Pregame

— The winner of Friday’s game will face Virginia Tech Saturday, after the Hokies beat Belmont 5-0 to open the regional.

— Emily Winstead will start at pitcher for Alabama. Brooklyn Morris will be in the circle for Jackson State.