Team 28 has a new ace. During Alabama softball’s 3-0, opening day win over Villanova, fifth-year senior Kayla Beaver made the most of her Crimson Tide debut.

Beaver, a Central Arkansas transfer, recorded the third no-hitter in her career and 46th in school history. She struck out 14, the only hitter reaching via a walk. It’s the first time Alabama has begun a season by keeping its opponent hitless across seven innings — Montana Fouts and Sarah Cornell shut down Alabama State for five innings in 2021.

“What a debut for Kayla Beaver. We are very excited for her and our team. Marlie (Giles) did a great job catching and (new assistant coach) Lance (McMahon) called an excellent game from the dugout,” head coach Patrick Murphy said via a postgame release.

Beaver threw a pair of no-hitters in 2020 with Central Arkansas. Beaver and Dothan senior Jaala Torrence are expected to handle the circle after Fouts, a program legend finished her career with a trip to the Women’s College World Series.

Against the Wildcats, Alabama scored all its runs in the third inning. Sophomore Abby Duchscherer drove in the first runs of the year with a two-RBI single. Kali Heivilin drove in Texas A&M transfer Riley Valentine with a ground ball.

The Tide will continue the Buzz Classic in Atlanta on Friday against Longwood and host Georgia Tech. Alabama will also play the same teams on Saturday in a doubleheader. The Tide will open Rhoads Stadium against St. Thomas on Feb. 16.

Nick Alvarez is a reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @nick_a_alvarez or email him at [email protected].