Auburn Softball Dominates Weekend Tournament

Tigers go 4-2 at Jane B. Moore Memorial, prepare for SEC play

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The Auburn softball team wrapped up its final weekend of non-conference action, competing in the Jane B. Moore Memorial tournament from Thursday through Sunday. The Tigers went 4-2 over the six-game stretch, bringing their overall record to 17-6 as they prepare to begin SEC play.

Why it matters

Auburn's strong performance in the tournament, including wins over Troy and USC Upstate, demonstrates the team's competitiveness and readiness to take on conference opponents. The Tigers' two losses to nationally ranked Virginia Tech also provide valuable experience against top-tier competition ahead of the SEC schedule.

The details

Auburn opened the tournament with an 8-7 win over Troy on Thursday, powered by three two-run home runs. The Tigers then split a doubleheader on Friday, routing Troy 10-4 before falling 9-5 to No. 11 Virginia Tech. On Saturday, Auburn lost 6-2 to Virginia Tech but bounced back with a 13-5 run-rule victory over USC Upstate. The Tigers closed out the weekend with a 2-1 win over USC Upstate on Sunday, led by a dominant pitching performance from Ella Harrison.

  • The Jane B. Moore Memorial tournament took place from Thursday, February 27 through Sunday, March 1, 2026.
  • Auburn's SEC play begins on Friday, March 6 with a three-game series against Kentucky.

The players

McKaela Walker

An Auburn softball player who hit two home runs in the Tigers' 8-7 win over Troy on Thursday.

Ma'Nia Womack

An Auburn softball player who hit a home run in the Tigers' 8-7 win over Troy on Thursday and added another home run in their 13-5 win over USC Upstate on Saturday.

Ella Harrison

Auburn's starting pitcher who struck out 13 batters in a complete game victory over USC Upstate on Sunday.

Chris Malveaux

Auburn's co-head softball coach who praised the team's competitiveness in their 10-4 win over Troy on Friday.

Ava Ratliff

An Auburn softball player who hit her first career home run, a three-run shot, in the Tigers' 9-5 loss to Virginia Tech on Friday.

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What they’re saying

“I loved that we were more competitive from the jump.”

— Chris Malveaux, Co-head coach (on3.com)

“Ella won that game by herself. Literally, thank goodness for her.”

— Chris Malveaux, Co-head coach (on3.com)

What’s next

Auburn begins SEC play with a three-game series against Kentucky on Friday, March 6 at 6 p.m. Central time, followed by games on Saturday at 2 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m.

The takeaway

Auburn's strong performance in the Jane B. Moore Memorial tournament, including wins over Troy and USC Upstate and close losses to nationally ranked Virginia Tech, positions the Tigers well as they prepare to open SEC play. The team's offensive firepower and dominant pitching, led by Ella Harrison, suggest Auburn could be a force to be reckoned with in conference competition.