Auburn University’s softball team secured an 8-7 win over Troy University on Thursday night at Jane B. Moore Field, opening the Jane B. Moore Memorial Tournament. The game was marked by a rain delay and a late rally from Troy, but Auburn managed to hold on for the victory.
Auburn started strong, building a five-run lead early in the contest. However, Troy narrowed the gap to 8-5 before play was paused for about an hour due to rain in the sixth inning. When play resumed, Troy scored two more runs in the seventh inning, making it a one-run game. Auburn ultimately stopped Troy’s comeback attempt and claimed the win.
“Troy loves this type of environment,” said co-head coach Chris Malveaux. “They aren’t afraid. They are going to come in and do whatever they’ve got to do to win. Throughout the game, we went away from our processes and attention to detail. We allowed that game to be closer than it should have been. We gave them a lot. We got away with making a lot of mistakes. They outcompeted us over the last couple innings. We can’t let that happen when we come back out tomorrow.”
Senior McKaela Walker led Auburn offensively with two home runs and four RBI during her 2-for-4 performance at bat. Junior Ma’Nia Womack contributed another home run, while redshirt sophomore Kyla Stroud added an RBI single.
Redshirt freshman Abby Herndon entered as relief pitcher in the third inning and earned her third win of the season after pitching three innings without allowing an earned run and striking out three batters.
Junior SJ Geurin pitched the final two innings following the rain delay, securing her first save of the season despite giving up three hits and two walks.
Troy took an early lead after capitalizing on wild pitches in the first inning but Auburn responded with home runs from Walker and Womack in their half of the frame. Walker’s second homer extended Auburn’s lead further in the second inning.
Troy closed within one run by taking advantage of walks and errors in the third inning before Auburn rebuilt its lead through additional runs scored via errors and singles later in the game.
The tournament continues Friday as Auburn faces Troy again at 4 p.m., followed by a matchup against No. 11 Virginia Tech at 6:30 p.m., both available on SEC Network+. Local radio coverage is provided by WEGL 91.1 FM, with streaming options available on Auburn Tigers’ digital platforms.
