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After winning 13 straight conference games and breezing through the schedule, Auburn Softball struggled mightily in the last two SEC series. The Tigers were run-ruled for the first time against Tennessee and "swept" in a two-game series against the Vols. They dropped a series against Texas A&M. Things were looking bleak.
Those losses were marked by uncharacteristic errors, walks by the pitchers, etc, and cold hitting. It would be easy for morale and confidence to be low. The Tigers won the final game of the season, though, and with the first two games of the SEC Tournament, things seem to have gotten back on track.
The Tigers defeated rival Alabama 6-2 in the quarterfinal round in the teams' only meeting this year. Then the Tigers took on #1 Florida, who beat Auburn in 2 of 3 games in the first SEC series of the year. Kaylee Carlson pitched a masterful game and Carlee Wallace's 1st inning 2-run home run was all the offense Auburn needed to take the semifinal from the Gators 2-1.
Now Auburn will play LSU to defend last season's SEC Tournament Championship. The Tigers from Baton Rouge stand at 45-14 on the year, 14-11 in the SEC. They got to the Championship by knocking off first Texas A&M 5-4, then Kentucky 3-1, and finally Tennessee 3-1 in 8 innings.
While LSU's record in conference may not seem that strong, you also have to remember that in the SEC, nearly everyone still makes the NCAA Tournament. That's just how strong the conference is. They're a very tough team who will be very hard to beat. They sent Auburn to the loser's bracket of last year's NCAA Tournament. The two teams have not played this season, though.
If you haven't watched an Auburn Softball game all season, this is definitely a good one to start with. Cheer on our girls as they look to repeat as SEC Champions! An NCAA Tournament bid and hosting a regional is already certain. A Super Regional should also be a sure thing, but you never know. Win today, though, and Auburn will have a clear path to stay in the comforts of Jane B Moore Field through the trip to Oklahoma City.
How to Watch:
Time: 4:00pm Central
TV: ESPN
Stream: WatchESPN