Here are five things to know about the NCAA softball regional tournament being played Friday through Sunday at Rhoads Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
1. The field
Alabama (33-18) is the No. 12 overall seed and tournament host. It is the 20th consecutive tournament appearance for the Crimson Tide, who are hosting a regional for the 14th consecutive season. The Tide tied for seventh in the SEC (12-12) and were eliminated by Florida in the second round of the SEC tournament last week.
Oregon State (28-26) is the second seed in the regional and is making its third consecutive tournament appearance.