Three Alabama Crimson Tide Players Selected to SEC Softball Preseason Team

The Alabama softball team was represented by three players on the Southeastern Conference Preseason Team, the league office announced Tuesday. Senior Kayla Braud and juniors Jackie Traina and Kaila Hunt nabbed the honors for the Crimson Tide.

Braud, a two-time NFCA All-America selection and three-time All-SEC performer will look to etch her name in Alabama record books. The senior enters the season ranked second in batting average (.427), on-base percentage (.507) and stolen bases (144).

Traina, a two-time All-American and the reigning SEC Pitcher of the Year, led the country with 42 wins in 2012. Traina set the single season school records with 361 strikeouts along her 42 wins. The Naples, Fla., native is coming off a Women’s College World Series performance where she was named the most outstanding player.

Hunt also put together a stellar sophomore campaign, leading the league with 21 home runs and 77 RBI en route to earning All-America honors for the first time in her career. The 21 homers and 77 driven in, rank second in the Alabama single season annals.

Alabama will open its 2013 season at the UNI Dome Tournament in Cedar Falls, Iowa. UA will face Illinois in the opener on Friday, Feb. 8, with first pitch slated for 3 p.m.