TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Tough pitching was Jacksonville softball's kryptonite as the Dolphins fell to No. 9 Alabama, 7-0, on the final day of the 2017 Easton Crimson Classic, Sunday afternoon. Following the game, Heather Roberts and Carolyn O'Neal were named to the All-Tournament Team.

"We played much better than the score showed," said Head Coach Jennifer Steele. "The game was really close for 5.1 innings. We put together some good at-bats against a great Sydney Littlejohn and had runners in action a few times. On the other hand, for all the good at-bats we had, there were weak ones as well. We have to get better at making opposing pitchers throw strikes. We are going to work on our discipline this week and get better before next weekend."

The Dolphins (11-9) were unable to get past Alabama's Littlejohn, who collected 11 strikeouts in a three-hit performance on the mound. However, Alyssa Bilodeau and the Dolphin defense kept the Crimson Tide in check for the majority of the game, allowing just two runs through five innings

"Alyssa performed pretty well for most of the ballgame, but I have really high expectations for her," added Steele. "She's more than capable of going nose-to-nose with top teams and I wouldn't write her name in the lineup if I didn't think she could. She's battling some freshman tendencies – struggling to find the zone at times and issuing free passes. She will continue to get better the more innings she has under her belt. She must trust the process; this is a natural step in her progression and I think she will be a difference-maker for us come conference play."

Roberts caught Crimson Tide (19-2) baserunners stealing in consecutive innings to keep the hosts at bay, but Alabama countered in the top of the third with a bases-loaded walk to take an early 1-0 lead.

Alabama added another run in the top of the fourth after a double to left field brought a Crimson Tide runner across the plate for a 2-0 lead.

Roberts then started a two-out rally in the bottom of the frame and Madison Ragan followed with a single to third to get two Dolphins on. However, a fly out to right ended JU's chances to get the runs back.

Crimson Tide homers in back-to-back innings in the sixth and seventh tacked on five more runs for Alabama for a final 7-0 advantage.

Bilodeau threw 5.1 innings and falls to 4-5 in the circle for the Dolphins. Roberts, Ragan, and Makenzie Buss all had hits.

Following the completion of the game, Roberts and Carolyn O'Neal were named to the 2017 Easton Crimson Classic All-Tournament Team.

"Alabama plays fast and Heather was solid behind the plate. She threw out two of their baserunners and should have had the third," added Steele. "I'm happy for Carolyn. She made the best of her opportunity this weekend. She has seen limited action, so for her to come in off the bench and be a difference-maker for us was critical. I hope she uses this weekend to help her confidence the next time her name is written in the lineup."

The Dolphins return to Debbie and Fred Pruitt Softball Complex Wednesday, March 8 for a doubleheader with Delaware State. First pitches are scheduled for 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.