Jocelyn Briski Outlasts Maya Johnson in Pitchers' Duel for Spot in Regional Final

TUSCALOOSA, Ala.- The matchup between No. 1 Alabama and Belmont was touted as a pitchers' duel between two of the best in the country in the Crimson Tide's Jocelyn Briski and the Bruins' Maya Johnson.

Briski and the Tide came out on top with a 3-0 victory at Rhoads Stadium on Saturday to advance to Sunday's regional final in the NCAA tournament.

The Alabama ace carried a perfect game into the sixth inning where a one-out single in the frame was one of three baserunners she allowed all day. Briski needed just 72 pitches to complete here fifth individual complete-game shutout of the season.

Johnson had only allowed one run in the entire month of May, and the Alabama offense jumped out to a three-run lead in the first inning. The Crimson Tide loaded the bases with a hit-by-pitch to leadoff Jena Young, single from Alexis Pupillo and walk by Ana Roman. Senior captain Marlie Giles came through with the big hit on a single through the right side to score two runs.

An RBI groundout from Audrey Vandagriff added on another run, which was more than enough for Briski to work with.

Things got a little dicey in the seventh inning as the Bruins brought the tying-runner to the plate after a walk and error, but Briski got out of it with two more first-pitch outs.

This story will be updated with quotes and video.

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This article was originally published on www.si.com/college/alabama as Jocelyn Briski Outlasts Maya Johnson in Pitchers' Duel for Spot in Regional Final.

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This story was originally published May 16, 2026 at 1:01 PM.