Auburn Softball Concludes Road Slate with Midweek Clash at South Alabama

As the regular season winds down, the Auburn Tigers softball team faces a pivotal road finale this week, heading to Mobile for a midweek showdown with the South Alabama Jaguars. It’s more than just another non-conference matchup—it’s a crucial opportunity for Auburn to solidify its postseason aspirations, polish its performance away from Jane B. Moore Field, and build momentum heading into the final SEC stretch.

This midweek matchup may fly under the radar in a schedule filled with SEC giants, but for head coach Mickey Dean and his squad, it’s anything but insignificant.

The Tigers have endured a challenging slate of road games in 2025, taking on SEC foes in hostile environments and testing their mettle against ranked opponents in neutral-site tournaments. Now, with only home games left after their trip to Mobile, Auburn has one final opportunity to leave a lasting impression away from the Plains.

The trip to South Alabama marks Auburn’s last chance this season to improve its road record, which has seen both flashes of dominance and moments of struggle. Coach Dean has emphasized consistency throughout the season, and this matchup will serve as a litmus test for just how well the Tigers have internalized that message.

“We’ve learned a lot about ourselves on the road this season,” Dean said during Monday’s media availability. “Now it’s about applying those lessons. South Alabama is a quality team. This will be a good challenge, and we want to finish strong before heading home for the final stretch.”

South Alabama (26-19) has quietly put together a strong campaign in the Sun Belt Conference, relying on a deep pitching staff and timely hitting to rack up wins. Under the direction of head coach Becky Clark, the Jaguars have proven themselves a tough out, especially at home.

The Jaguars boast a 16-5 home record and have notched wins over Power Five opponents throughout the season. Their pitching duo of Olivia Lackie and Jenna Hardy has been particularly effective, combining for over 200 strikeouts on the season and keeping opponents guessing with a mix of speed, movement, and deception.

Lackie, a senior right-hander, has been the anchor for South Alabama. Her ability to command the zone and pitch deep into games gives the Jaguars a fighting chance in every contest. She enters the Auburn matchup with a 1.92 ERA and a 14-6 record, and she thrives in big-game situations.

“They’re gritty,” said Auburn junior outfielder Abby Smith. “You can’t overlook them. We’ve watched film, and they don’t give in. They’ll fight for seven innings.”

Offensively, the Jaguars are led by sophomore slugger Kamdyn Kvistad, who is batting .328 with 9 home runs and 32 RBIs. Her power and plate discipline make her a constant threat, particularly when runners are on base.

For Auburn (30-16), the formula for success has become clearer as the season has progressed: get strong starts from the rotation, play airtight defense, and manufacture runs with smart, situational hitting. If they can execute in all three phases, they should leave Mobile with another win on their resume.

One of Auburn’s biggest assets this season has been its pitching depth. Junior ace Maddie Penta has dazzled yet again, posting a 1.87 ERA with 195 strikeouts in 140 innings. She’s complemented by sophomore Annabelle Widra, whose deceptive changeup and rise ball have frustrated hitters all year.

Penta is expected to get the ball for the midweek matchup, though Dean hasn’t ruled out a bullpen game depending on how things unfold early.

“Maddie’s been our go-to in big games, and this is certainly one of those,” Dean said. “But we’ve got confidence in everyone down the line.”

Offense hasn’t always come easily for Auburn this season, but when they’re clicking, they’re a tough team to stop. Senior infielder Bri Ellis has been the most consistent bat in the lineup, leading the team with 13 home runs and a .341 batting average.

Freshman shortstop Makayla Packer has also emerged as a catalyst atop the order, using her speed and contact-hitting prowess to set the tone early in games.

The key will be capitalizing with runners in scoring position—an area that has at times plagued the Tigers in close contests. In recent weeks, Auburn has shown improvement in this category, particularly with situational bunting and aggressive base running.

“We’ve worked hard in practice on executing those little things,” Ellis said. “Whether it’s a sac bunt, a hit-and-run, or just putting the ball in play with two strikes, those moments can decide the game.”

Auburn ranks among the SEC’s top defensive teams, and that level of consistency in the field has kept them competitive in tight games. Sophomore catcher Ally Bigham has thrown out 12 would-be base stealers, and the infield—anchored by Ellis and junior second baseman Sydney Cox—has turned 23 double plays on the season.

Against a team like South Alabama that thrives on taking extra bases and playing small ball, Auburn’s defensive discipline will be paramount.

Auburn currently finds itself in the mix for an NCAA Tournament berth, likely in the 2-seed range depending on how they finish the season. A win over South Alabama, especially on the road, would strengthen their RPI and add to an already solid resume.

More importantly, it provides an opportunity to stay sharp before a critical SEC series at home. Every game matters now, especially with the Tigers looking to host a regional for the first time since 2021.

“There’s no such thing as a break this time of year,” Dean said. “We’re playing for seeding. We’re playing for pride. And we’re playing to get better every time out.”

For the Jaguars, this midweek clash represents a golden opportunity to add a marquee win to their NCAA Tournament hopes. While a Sun Belt title remains the primary goal, taking down a nationally respected SEC opponent would send a strong message to the selection committee.

Coach Clark knows her team will have to be nearly flawless to knock off Auburn, but she also knows her players relish the underdog role.

“We respect Auburn a lot,” Clark said. “But we’re not backing down. We’ve got a great group that’s hungry and excited for the challenge.”

If South Alabama can jump on Auburn early and get a lead, they have the arms to make it hold up. The Jaguars are 19-2 this season when leading after four innings.

Though it’s a non-conference matchup, the stakes are high on both sides. For Auburn, it’s about finishing the road slate on a high note and continuing the march toward postseason positioning. For South Alabama, it’s about proving they belong in the national conversation.

It’s also a chance for fans in southern Alabama to see two regional programs with legitimate postseason aspirations go head-to-head—a welcome highlight for softball lovers outside the SEC core.

After the midweek clash, Auburn returns home for a three-game series against the surging Missouri Tigers, followed by the SEC Tournament. Those games will likely determine whether the Tigers can host a regional and make a deep postseason run.

For now, though, all eyes are on Mobile.

“It’s one game, but it’s a big one,” Ellis said. “We’re treating it like a playoff game because that’s the mindset we need right now. We’re not looking ahead—we’re locked in on South Alabama.”

Auburn’s final road game of the regular season won’t come with the national spotlight of an SEC series or the pageantry of a home finale, but it may prove just as important. It’s a character game. A trap game. A must-win for teams with serious postseason ambitions.

And for both Auburn and South Alabama, it’s a chance to make a statement.

First pitch is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. CT at Jaguar Field. Expect a tightly contested, emotionally charged battle between two teams with everything still to play for.