In Cathedral City, California, Auburn softball showcased their offensive prowess at the Big League Dreams Complex, cruising to a 10-1 victory over BYU in just five innings. This win brings Auburn's record to 11-3, while BYU falls to 3-10.
Auburn co-head coach Chris Malveaux emphasized the importance of bouncing back with a strong performance. “We needed to bounce back,” he noted. “It was great to see us compete from the very beginning, one pitch at a time.”
The Tigers' bats were on fire, with nine hits, including home runs from junior Ma’Nia Womack and freshman Haven Roebuck. Womack's two-run shot in the first inning set the tone, giving Auburn a lead they never looked back from. Womack finished the game 2-for-2 with three RBIs, marking a standout performance.
Redshirt sophomore Kyla Stroud celebrated her birthday in style, going 2-for-3 with two RBIs. Senior McKaela Walker also contributed with two hits, including a double.
On the mound, sophomore Ella Harrison was in command, securing her sixth win of the season. Harrison allowed just four hits and one unearned run, striking out five. Redshirt freshman Abby Herndon closed out the game, allowing only one hit and picking up a strikeout over two efficient innings.
BYU managed to score in the second inning, capitalizing on two passed balls and a wild pitch. However, Auburn quickly responded. Walker's double and Stroud's single added to the lead, with Alyssa Hastings and Destiny Rodriguez driving in more runs to extend the advantage.
Stroud continued her impressive night with another RBI single in the third inning. Hastings added a sacrifice fly, and Womack drew a bases-loaded walk, further stretching Auburn's lead. Roebuck's two-run homer in the fourth put the game into run-rule territory.
Game Notes:
- Kylie Shaw extended her streak of reaching base safely to all 14 games this season.
- Ma’Nia Womack hit her third home run of the season and recorded her fourth multi-hit game.
- McKaela Walker knocked her third double of the season, continuing her strong performance at the plate.
- Alyssa Hastings extended her hit streak to five games and drove in two runs.
- Kyla Stroud celebrated her birthday with two hits and two RBIs, marking her fourth multi-hit game of the season.
- Haven Roebuck hit her third homer of the season, contributing to the team's offensive explosion.
- Ella Harrison struck out five, earning her sixth win of the season.
Up Next:
Auburn continues its journey at the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic, facing No. 21 Washington and Cal State Fullerton on Saturday. Fans can catch the action on FloSoftball or listen to JJ Jackson’s radio coverage on WEGL 91.1 FM.
Back at Home:
The Tigers will host the Jane B. Moore Memorial from Feb. 26 to March 1, featuring teams like Troy and No.
17 Virginia Tech. Auburn will play six games over four days, with special events planned, including a pregame party for Aubie’s Kids Club members and “Softballs from the Sky” for young fans.