Alabama’s softball team couldn’t be more excited to take on Belmont at Heritage Park.

And although the matchup isn’t scheduled for another two weeks — the teams will meet April 23 at 6 p.m. — that didn’t stop head coach Patrick Murphy and junior standout Claire Jenkins from traveling to Cullman on Monday to

promote their upcoming game against the Bruins.

The Tide tandem sat in for a brief press conference at Buffalo Wild Wings,

answering several questions relating to the “Clash in Cullman.”

Afterwards, they signed autographs for those in attendance.

Alabama is 38-4 this season, and Jenkins is a big reason why.

The Cullman graduate is batting .292 with 12 home runs and 28 RBIs.

She ranks second and third, respectively, on the team in those two categories.

It didn’t take long for Murphy to begin singing his shortstop’s praises, either.

“For everybody in Cullman, I want you to realize what a great role model she is to young ladies. She’s been an outstanding representative of your community in Tuscaloosa. Claire has been awesome. She’s having a really, really good year. She was the hardest worker all summer. In the fall, I asked my strength coach, ‘Who was the MVP of the weight room?’ And without question, she said, ‘Claire Jenkins.’ Not only does she do it on the field, she’s doing it in the weight room and in the classroom. And all of her success is because her mom and dad raised her the right way. I can’t say enough good things about her. You guys should be really, really proud of her.”

Jenkins, who has played in all three seasons on campus, has taken significant steps each and every year.

According to Murphy, all of her persistence is paying off in 2019.

“I’ve told kids in the past that you will be successful,” he said. “You just have to be patient. And in today’s generation, the word patience — it doesn’t exist. Because everybody wants it right now. It’s like a microwave generation, where it’s got to be fast, fast, fast. And it takes time. You have to get used to your classes, the workouts, me, the competition. In the third year, you’re seeing all the results of her hard work.”

Added Jenkins: “I just want to say thank you to everyone with Cullman Parks and Rec who put this on, and coach Murphy for letting me come back to my hometown and do this. And to my parents for following me everywhere, and letting me follow my dreams and live the dream.”

Gates for the April 23 contest open at 3 p.m.

Those attending are encouraged to watch batting practice beforehand and stay for autographs after the game.

Less than 100 tickets remain for the matchup.