What To Know Ahead Of Alabama Softball's WCWS Opener Against UCLA

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Top-seeded Alabama softball will begin its pursuit of a national championship Thursday night when the Crimson Tide opens play in the 2026 Women’s College World Series against UCLA at Devon Park in Oklahoma City.

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Alabama, which enters the double-elimination tournament with a 54-7 record, earned the No. 1 overall seed and is making its 16th appearance in the WCWS.

The Crimson Tide will face No. 8 seed UCLA, which enters the postseason at 52-8, in a first-round matchup scheduled for 6 p.m. local time on ESPN2.

Thursday’s matchup will be played at Devon Park, the longtime home of the WCWS in Oklahoma City.

Fans unable to attend can watch the game on ESPN2, listen live through The Varsity Network on 100.1 FM, or follow along through live stats provided by UA Athletics.

Alabama advanced to Oklahoma City after winning its NCAA Super Regional over LSU and it looks to secure the program’s second national championship.

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