Auburn softball bounces back with two wins at NFCA Leadoff Classic

The Tigers topped Notre Dame and Michigan State on day one of the tournament.

Feb. 7, 2026 at 1:15pm

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After falling to North Florida in its season opener by run-rule, Auburn softball bounced back Friday by taking down Notre Dame and Michigan State on the first day of the NFCA Leadoff Classic in Clearwater, Florida. The Tigers set the tone early against Notre Dame, taking a 4-0 lead through 3 1/2 innings, and held on for a 5-4 victory. Auburn then defeated Michigan State 9-6, scoring five runs in the 2nd inning and three more in the 5th.

Why it matters

The wins were an important response for the young Auburn team after a season-opening loss. The Tigers were able to bounce back and get two quality wins over strong opponents, showing their resilience and ability to adjust.

The details

Against Notre Dame, freshman Haven Roebuck led Auburn with three hits, while SJ Geurin went the distance in the circle. In the win over Michigan State, Alyssa Hastings' bases-loaded walk and McKayla Walker's grand slam highlighted Auburn's five-run 2nd inning. Ma'nia Womack, Kylie Brockman, and Kylie Shaw each had two hits for the Tigers, and Malayna Tamborra earned the win.

  • Auburn softball fell to North Florida in its season opener on February 6.
  • The NFCA Leadoff Classic took place on February 7.

The players

Chris Malveaux

Co-head coach of the Auburn softball team.

Haven Roebuck

A freshman on the Auburn softball team who led the Tigers with three hits against Notre Dame.

SJ Geurin

The Auburn pitcher who went the distance in the circle against Notre Dame, allowing four runs and two walks in seven innings.

Alyssa Hastings

An Auburn softball player whose bases-loaded walk in the 2nd inning put the Tigers on the board against Michigan State.

McKayla Walker

An Auburn softball player who hit a grand slam in the 2nd inning to extend the Tigers' lead against Michigan State.

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What they’re saying

“It was very important for this team to find a way to win today. It was a big response from yesterday. We're a young team. They need to figure this out. We did enough in different parts of game to put ourselves in position to win. It wasn't as clean as we would have like, but we got two wins over two good teams. For where we're at, kudos to our team for not caving and not backing down.”

— Chris Malveaux, Co-head coach

What’s next

Auburn softball faces two more opponents on Saturday during the second day of action from the NFCA Leadoff Classic.

The takeaway

The wins over Notre Dame and Michigan State showed the resilience and adaptability of the young Auburn softball team, which was able to bounce back from an opening loss and secure two quality victories over strong opponents.