Oklahoma vs. Alabama: Crimson Tide Players Who Must Step Up in Decisive Game 3

After coming through with a huge win in Game 2 of the NCAA Division I Softball World Series, the Alabama Crimson Tide has forced a Game 3 against the Oklahoma Sooners. The winner will be crowned the National Champion, so there is no denying how vital the game will be.

Alabama has to be considered the favorite as it had the slightly better regular-season record and enters Game 3 with a ton of momentum, but there are several players who will need to bring their "A" game. The Tide has one of the most impressive rosters in all of college softball and there is any number of players who could be the hero.

Here are the top three stars who must be at their best on Wednesday in order for the Tide to roll to yet another title. 

Jackie Traina

After getting battered in Game 1 by the Sooners, Alabama ace Jackie Traina took the mound of the second consecutive day on Tuesday and came through big time as she pitched a complete game in the victory. Traina struggled a bit late and ended up allowing six runs, but she really showed her mettle as she was able to finish out the game and fight her way through the struggles.

Traina has been great all season long for the Tide, winning 41 games and sporting an ERA of 1.81. With that in mind, although it may be taxing, Traina figures to toe the rubber for a fourth straight day on Wednesday. Even if she doesn't have her best stuff, she will have to battle hitters with a bulldog mentality and keep her team in it. 

Kaila Hunt

Alabama is stacked with great hitters, but none can match the run-producing ability of Kaila Hunt. The sophomore infielder has had an excellent season as she sports a .311 batting average and leads the team with 27 home runs and 77 RBI. Sometimes all it takes is one swing to change the complexion of a game, and if Hunt gets up with runners on base, she could put runs on the board in a hurry.

Since both teams' pitchers figure to be fatigued, Game 3 could be similar to Game 2 in terms of offensive production. Alabama needs Hunt to be the power bat she has been all season long in order to match Oklahoma's attack. If Hunt doesn't drive in any runs on Wednesday, it could spell doom for the Crimson Tide. 

Leslie Jury

She has been the forgotten woman in Alabama's pitching rotation all season long thanks to the dominance of Traina, but Leslie Jury may have to play a big role in Game 3. Jury has had a solid year with 21 wins and a 2.75 ERA, but she is decidedly 'Bama's second option. With Traina about to pitch for a fourth straight day, however, Jury may be needed in relief if Traina tires considerably during the game.

Jury may not be dominant like Traina, but she is only a freshman and has shown a ton of potential. There may be some concern that the World Series stage will be too much for her to handle, but there is a decent chance that she will be thrust into action regardless. If she is, she has to be a stabilizing force.

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