Auburn University’s softball team matched its single-game home run record with six homers in a 19-5 victory over California at the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic in Cathedral City, California. The win brings Auburn’s season record to 13-4 and concludes their participation in the tournament.
“It’s a long week,” said co-head coach Chris Malveaux. “Every game is against a tough opponent. I was proud of the way our offense responded after yesterday. It was tough with an early morning turnaround. We knew Cal was going to bring a lot of energy, but we knew we had to play with intent, compete and get after it. From the start, it felt totally different. I was very happy with how our team responded.”
The Tigers previously set the six-homer mark last season against Georgia. In this game, senior McKaela Walker and freshman Haven Roebuck each hit two home runs, while junior Ma’Nia Womack and freshman Delaney Aumua added one apiece. Auburn finished the tournament with 13 total home runs.
Walker led offensively by going three-for-three at bat, drawing a walk, scoring three times, hitting two home runs, and driving in six runs. Roebuck contributed two hits in three at-bats with two runs scored and four RBIs from her pair of homers. Sophomore AnnaLea Adams also added to the scoreline with one hit, two runs scored, and two RBIs.
Sophomore Ella Harrison started as pitcher for Auburn, allowing one unearned run on one hit over two innings while striking out three batters. Redshirt freshman Abby Herndon earned the win by pitching one inning and giving up just one run on one hit.
Juniors Malayna Tamborra and Charley Butler each pitched relief innings for Auburn and recorded a strikeout apiece.
Auburn capitalized early by drawing walks to load the bases before Walker and Roebuck hit home runs for an initial 5-0 lead in the first inning. The Tigers extended their advantage throughout the game, including a nine-run third inning highlighted by another Roebuck homer and contributions from several players.
California managed five runs across the game but could not overcome Auburn’s offense.
Auburn will return home to host the Jane B. Moore Memorial tournament from February 26 to March 1 at Jane B. Moore Field. The event will feature games against Troy, Virginia Tech (ranked No. 17), and USC Upstate over four days, all available for viewing on SEC Network+. Special events are planned during the tournament weekend for fans and children attending.
