ATLANTA – Fifth-year senior pitcher Kayla Beaver, a graduate of South Side High School, made a big statement in her Alabama Softball debut, throwing a no-hitter to lead the Crimson Tide to an opening day win over Villanova, 3-0.

From Head Coach Patrick Murphy –
“What a debut for Kayla Beaver. We are very excited for her and our team. Marlie [Giles] did a great job catching and Lance [McMahon] called an excellent game from the dugout.”

The no-hitter is the 46th in Alabama (1-0) history and the third of Beaver’s career, previously throwing a pair in 2020 at Central Arkansas including her collegiate debut on Feb. 7, 2020 vs. Jackson (MS) State.

She allowed one walk while striking out 14 batters, one shy of her career best.

Alabama’s three runs came in the bottom of the second. A two-run single from Abby Duchscherer and a run scored by Riley Valentine on a groundout.

Duchscherer was 2-for-3 with two RBIs, both career bests for the sophomore infielder.

(PHOTO: Kayla Beaver)