Auburn Softball Cruises Past Illinois in Home Opener

Tigers score late to run-rule Illini 8-0 in War Eagle Classic

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Auburn softball team used a late offensive surge and a dominant pitching performance from Ella Harrison to defeat Illinois 8-0 in five innings and win their home opener at the War Eagle Classic on Thursday. Auburn struck first in the 1st inning but was held in check until a 4th inning rally and a 5-run 5th inning that included a 3-run homer from Kyla Stroud and a solo shot from Alyssa Hastings.

Why it matters

This win gives Auburn an early boost as they kick off their home schedule and the War Eagle Classic tournament. The Tigers showed their offensive firepower and ability to overcome adversity after being held in check for a few innings. Pitcher Ella Harrison also impressed in her first home start, setting the tone with a complete-game one-hit shutout.

The details

Auburn scored two runs in the 4th inning and then exploded for five more in the 5th to run-rule Illinois 8-0. AnnaLea Adams doubled home Ma'Nia Womack in the 1st to give Auburn an early 1-0 lead. The Tigers were held in check until the 4th when Womack's groundout and a Destiny Rodriguez single made it 3-0. In the 5th, Kyla Stroud hit a 3-run homer and Alyssa Hastings added a solo shot back-to-back. Rodriguez also had an RBI single in the 5th to cap the scoring.

  • Auburn struck first in the 1st inning.
  • The Tigers were held in check until a 4-run 4th inning.
  • Auburn then scored 5 runs in the 5th inning to run-rule Illinois.

The players

Ella Harrison

The Rutgers transfer pitcher threw a complete-game one-hit shutout, striking out seven batters.

Kyla Stroud

Hit a 3-run home run in the 5th inning to break the game open for Auburn.

Alyssa Hastings

Crushed a solo home run in the 5th inning right after Stroud's 3-run shot.

Destiny Rodriguez

Had an RBI single in the 5th inning to cap the scoring for Auburn.

Chris Malveaux

Auburn's co-head coach praised his team's ability to overcome early adversity and break through late in the game.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We had a difficult time. You could see a little frustration when we were leaving runners on base. Kudos to our team. They continued to fight and figured it out. They did a great job adjusting and staying the course.”

— Chris Malveaux, Auburn co-head coach (Yahoo Sports)

“It was nice for Ella (Harrison) to experience pitching in this park while wearing an Auburn uniform and really feel what it is like to have the crowd behind you. She didn't disappoint. She kept pounding the zone and working ahead. She had all of her pitches working. She can be nasty and is tough to get to.”

— Chris Malveaux, Auburn co-head coach (Yahoo Sports)

What’s next

Auburn will continue the War Eagle Classic on Friday, playing Bradley at 4:30 PM CT and Campbell at 7 PM CT. The Campbell game will feature a reunion with former Auburn assistant coach Emily Carosone, who is now the head coach at Campbell.

The takeaway

This win showcases Auburn's offensive firepower and resilience, as well as the strong pitching performance from Ella Harrison in her first home start. The Tigers were able to overcome early struggles and break through late to run-rule Illinois, an impressive display as they kick off their home schedule and tournament play.