Harrison, Uptegrove Lift Mizzou Softball to Series-Opening Win over Auburn

Missouri's pitching and timely hitting lead to a 3-0 victory over Auburn in the series opener.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 2:08am

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Missouri softball's junior pitcher Cierra Harrison threw a shutout in five innings of work, and freshman Abby Carr recorded a save as the Tigers defeated Auburn 3-0 in the series opener. Second baseman Madison Uptegrove hit a solo home run and an RBI triple to power Missouri's offense.

Why it matters

This win gives Missouri its second SEC victory of the season and a chance to clinch its first SEC series win if they can defeat Auburn again on Saturday. The Tigers' pitching staff has been a strength all season, and they'll look to continue that success against a tough Auburn team.

The details

Harrison gave up just three hits and struck out four batters, continuing her strong recent performances in the circle. Uptegrove provided the key offensive plays, hitting a solo home run in the fourth inning and an RBI triple in the sixth to give Missouri a 3-0 lead. Carr came in to record the save in the sixth and seventh innings.

  • On March 28, 2026, Missouri defeated Auburn 3-0 in the series opener.
  • Missouri and Auburn will play the second game of their three-game series on March 29, 2026 at 2 p.m.

The players

Cierra Harrison

A junior pitcher for the Missouri Tigers softball team who threw a shutout in five innings of work against Auburn.

Madison Uptegrove

The Missouri Tigers' sophomore second baseman who hit a solo home run and an RBI triple to power the Tigers' offense in the win over Auburn.

Abby Carr

A freshman pitcher for the Missouri Tigers who recorded the save in the sixth and seventh innings against Auburn.

Ella Harrison

The Auburn Tigers' sophomore starting pitcher who struck out nine Missouri batters but gave up key hits that led to the loss.

Kayley Lenger

Missouri's center fielder who drove in the Tigers' first run with an RBI single in the second inning.

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What they’re saying

“We've been getting great pitching all season, and Cierra was dominant again today. When our pitching is on like that, we just need to find a way to get a few timely hits, and that's what Madison did for us.”

— Larissa Anderson, Missouri Head Coach

What’s next

Missouri will look to clinch the series against Auburn on Saturday, March 29th at 2 p.m. A win would give the Tigers their first SEC series victory of the season.

The takeaway

Missouri's formula of strong pitching and timely hitting has led them to another important SEC win. If the Tigers can continue to get quality starts from their pitchers and capitalize on scoring opportunities, they'll have a chance to make noise in the SEC standings.