Auburn Softball Walks Off Penn State at NFCA Leadoff Classic

Tigers end opening weekend with 4-2 record after dramatic victory.

Feb. 8, 2026 at 4:23pm

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Auburn softball secured a dramatic 4-3 walk-off victory over Penn State at the NFCA Leadoff Classic, ending their opening weekend with a 4-2 record. The Tigers scored the winning run in the bottom of the 7th inning on an errant throw by the Penn State shortstop.

Why it matters

This was an important win for Auburn as they look to build momentum heading into the rest of the season. The Tigers faced tough competition at the NFCA Leadoff Classic, including a ranked Clemson team, and were able to come away with a winning record over the opening weekend.

The details

Auburn entered the final frame of the 7th inning tied with Penn State 3-3. The Tigers put their first three batters on base to start the inning. With the bases loaded, McKaela Walker hit a dribbler to Penn State shortstop Kaylie Walters. Walters fielded the ball cleanly, but her throw was errant, allowing Destiny Rodriguez to score from 3rd base and give Auburn the 4-3 victory.

  • Auburn scored first with a sacrifice fly from Kyla Stroud in the 2nd inning.
  • Penn State tied the game at 1-1 with an RBI single by Breanna Hanik.
  • Auburn plated two more runs in the 5th and 6th innings, but Penn State tied the game in the top of the 6th with a two-run blast by Natalie Lieto to force a tie heading into the final inning.
  • Hanik was the lone baserunner for the Nittany Lions in the 7th inning, but Auburn's defense logged three quick outs to set up their walkoff opportunity.

The players

McKaela Walker

Auburn player who hit the game-winning dribbler that led to the errant throw and winning run.

Destiny Rodriguez

Auburn player who scored the winning run in the bottom of the 7th inning.

Kaylie Walters

Penn State shortstop who fielded the game-winning dribbler but made the errant throw that allowed the winning run to score.

Ella Harrison

Auburn pitcher who went the distance, allowing two earned runs on five hits and striking out 11 batters in a complete game effort.

Chris Malveaux

Auburn co-head coach who praised the team's effort and resilience in the come-from-behind victory.

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What they’re saying

“That was such an important game. It was a quick turnaround. We were tired and giving it everything we had. Ella (Harrison) had such an incredible outing. It gave us a chance. We'll take a win however we can get it. You put pressure on the defense. It's a tough play to make. You never know what's going to happen.”

— Chris Malveaux, Co-head coach

What’s next

Auburn will play its first home game on Thursday when it hosts Illinois to kick off the War Eagle Classic at Jane B. Moore Field. Illinois joins Bradley, Campbell, and Binghamton as part of the four-day weekend.

The takeaway

This dramatic walk-off victory over a tough Penn State team shows the resilience and determination of the Auburn softball squad. Despite being tired from a quick turnaround, the Tigers were able to put pressure on the defense and capitalize on an errant throw to secure the win. This opening weekend performance should give Auburn confidence and momentum as they look to build on this success throughout the rest of the season.