North Dakota State University (NDSU) softball concludes its 34-game road trip this week with a two-game series against No. 6 Alabama in Tuscaloosa, marking the end of non-conference play. The Bison's first game is scheduled for March 27 at 6 p.m., followed by a game on March 28 at 1 p.m. Historically, NDSU has faced Alabama five times, with a 1-4 record, including a notable upset victory over the then No. 2 team in 2016. This series presents a challenge as it's NDSU's only ranked match-up for the season, aiming to add to their 12 wins against ranked teams since moving to Division I.

By the Numbers
  • NDSU has won 12 games against ranked opponents since 2005, including 5 against top 10 teams.
  • Star Cortez is hitting .394 with a team-high 20 walks and 26 runs this season.
State of Play
  • NDSU is 5-1 in night games, with Jocelyn McClary contributing a 4-0 record and a 1.22 era.
  • The Bison lead the Summit League in stolen bases with 41, averaging 1.28 per game.
What's Next

After facing Alabama, NDSU will return to league play against St. Thomas for a three-game series over Easter weekend. This series will be crucial for rebuilding momentum following a tough series against Omaha.

Bottom Line

NDSU must focus on leveraging their past success against ranked teams and capitalize on current player performances to make a statement against Alabama. Strong contributions from key players are essential to regain momentum and confidence heading into league play.