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On February 12, 2011 Morgan Estell took the field for the first time as an Auburn Tiger. She was the leadoff hitter in the Tigers' opening game against Alabama State. The second pitch the Freshman saw, was driven out of the park for the first homerun of her collegiate career and a star was born for Auburn Softball.
The homer came in the Tigers opening tournament the All - Alabama Softball Classic. She went 8 - 13 with two home runs that weekend and was voted Tournament MVP.
Since that first at bat, Estell has been a force to be reckoned with by opposing pitchers. She has gone on to lead the team in batting average - ranking sixth in the SEC (.429), 11th in on-base percentage (.489), second in doubles (17), 12th in hits (59) and eighth in fielding double plays (8).
She led the team in hitting, RBI's, and doubles during the regular season, helping lead the Tigers into their fourth consecutive SEC Tournament appearance.
For her performance this year Morgan was named last week to the Freshman All-Southeastern Conference Softball Team. She started about half the season at first base and half of the games in the outfield, so she was named the Freshman All-SEC Designated Player.
Coach Deese said "We are very happy for Morgan ... She is a talented student-athlete who works just as hard in the classroom as she does on the field."
As a fan I'm glad the Tigers have such a talented player on Auburn's roster for the next three years. Before she is through, Morgan Estell may go on to be one of the best to ever wear the Orange and Blue.