The Auburn women’s softball team will face 3-seed Florida in the SEC Tournament quarterfinals in Lexington, Kentucky. The Tigers, with a 27-27 overall record, require a win over the Gators to maintain any hope of an NCAA Tournament at-large selection. A team must be at least .500 to be considered.
Malveaux’s Programme Showing Promise
This week has already proven a significant step for Chris and Kate Malveaux’s programme, marked by victories over Missouri and Texas A&M.
This run reminds some of Bruce Pearl’s first Auburn team’s performance at the SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament. That basketball team beat Mississippi State, Texas A&M and LSU before losing to Kentucky.
A quote from Pearl following that basketball game in March of 2015 could apply to the current Auburn softball team. Pearl said, “We’re just trying to get Auburn relevant, for us to be a factor. The way our kids play hard, the way they don’t quit, and the way they believe in each other, they’re making some history.”
Freshmen Making an Impact
Freshman catcher Ava Ratliff hit a three-run home run. Freshman Haven Roebuck homered for the second straight day. Sophomore AnnaLea Adams also homered.
- Sophomore pitcher Ella Harrison and freshman Charley Butler have combined for a pair of wins.
- Sophomore Kylie Shaw has also been key this season.
The roster has a chance to take big strides next season if they can keep the young players and add a few key veterans to bring a little more firepower.