TRANSFER: Alabama Softball Gains a Power Hitter
Power hitting remains a top priority for the Crimson Tide.
While Alabama continues its 2024 season, the transfer portal season is also underway. The NCAA opened the portal on May 19th and will close it on June 17th, creating a challenging period for teams still competing in the postseason to also focus on recruiting. Despite this, Alabama coach Patrick Murphy has successfully managed both tasks, securing his first transfer for next year’s team from an unexpected source. Alexis Pupillo from Northern Iowa announced on social media that she will be joining the Crimson Tide next season.
As a freshman, Pupillo posted impressive stats with a .442 batting average, 14 doubles, 16 home runs, and 44 RBIs. This past season, her batting average dropped to a still formidable .324, with increased power, hitting 19 home runs and 54 RBIs.
Her on-base percentage for the season was .466, matching that of Oklahoma All-American Tiare Jennings. With a slugging percentage of .779, Pupillo ranked 31st in the nation, significantly surpassing Alabama’s top hitter, Kenleigh Cahalan, who had a slugging percentage of .441.
You might wonder, “Can she hit against top-tier pitching?” Few players can claim hits off Alabama’s Kayla Beaver and Auburn’s Maddie Penta, but Pupillo can. She even hit a home run against Penta and another against Arkansas. In one game against Arizona, she delivered an RBI sac fly and stole two bases. Across six games against these formidable teams, she batted .308 with two home runs and five RBIs, and was hit by pitches five times.
Notably, Northern Iowa is the alma mater of Coach Murphy, who maintains a strong connection to his former school, often scheduling games against them. This season, Alabama narrowly defeated Northern Iowa 1-0. Despite winning the Missouri Valley Conference regular season, Northern Iowa was upset in the Tournament Championship and missed out on the NCAA Tournament.
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