Scouting Softball’s NFCA Leadoff Classic opponents

[aubiefifty 16,791]

Scouting Auburn Softball’s NFCA Leadoff Classic opponents

Taylor Jones

Thu, February 9, 2023 at 8:00 AM CST

The long-awaited debut of Auburn Softball’s 2023 season is set for Friday afternoon, as the Tigers are slated to compete in the NFCA Leadoff Classic at the Eddie C. Moore Complex in Clearwater, Fla.

Auburn will face five opponents during their three-day stay in Clearwater, two of which competed in the NCAA Tournament last season. The Tigers will kick off the weekend on Friday by facing St. John’s at 12:30 p.m. CT. Last season, Auburn defeated St. John’s twice during the Tiger Invitational at Jane B. Moore Field, outscoring the Red Storm, 23-0.

Auburn will close the day by facing Fordham, the defending Atlantic 10 Conference Champions. Then, on Saturday, the Tigers will face Power Five teams in Pittsburgh and Indiana. The Hoosiers ended last season with 27 wins in 2022, but a short stay in the Big Ten tournament erased their chances of making the NCAA Tournament.

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The final game of Auburn’s portion of the NFCA Leadoff Classic will feature Auburn’s toughest test of the weekend, Illinois. The Fighting Illini won 34 games last season, earning wins over teams such as Arkansas and LSU in nonconference play, and made a postseason appearance in the Columbia Regional hosted by Missouri.

To watch Auburn compete in the NFCA Leadoff Classic, download the GameChanger app and search “Auburn Tigers NFCA.” Auburn Sports Network will also have coverage of this weekend’s tournament locally on Tiger 95.9 as well as AuburnTigers.com.

Here’s a more in-depth look at Auburn Softball’s weekend schedule, as well as their opponents.

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St. John's (Friday, 12:30 p.m. CT)

Photo: St. John’s Athletics

Series record: Auburn leads, 3-0

Last meeting: Auburn 9 St. John’s 0 (Feb. 12, 2022, in Auburn)

Last season’s record: 12-35

Top returning hitter: London Jarrard (.400/HR/25 RBI)

Top returning pitcher: Carolina Zumudio (4.90 ERA/83 K)

Fordham (Friday, 3 p.m. CT)

AP Photo/Vera Nieuwenhuis

Series record: Auburn leads, 1-0

Last meeting: Auburn 18 Fordham 0 (Feb. 21, 2016, in Auburn)

Last season’s record: 30-22 (A10 Champions, Stillwater Regional)

Top returning hitter: Bailey Enoch (.309/7 HR/28 RBI)

Top returning pitcher: Devon Miller (2.97 ERA, 111 K)

Pittsburgh (Saturday, 10 a.m. CT)

Matt Hawley/Pitt Athletics

Series record: First meeting

Last season’s record: 14-27

Top returning hitter: Cami Compson (.274/7 HR/22 RBI)

Top returning pitcher: Dani Drogemuller (3.51 ERA, 147K)

Indiana (Saturday, 12:30 p.m. CT)

Indiana Athletics

Series record: Auburn leads, 4-0

Last meeting: Auburn 8 Indiana 7 (March 4, 2016, in Auburn)

Last season’s record: 27-22

Top returning hitter: Cora Bassett (.400/13 HR/34 RBI)

Top returning pitcher: Heather Johnson (3.89 ERA/88 K)

Illinois (Sunday, 11:30 a.m. CT)

David Craan/Illinois Athletics

Series record: Series tied, 1-1

Last meeting: Illinois 2 Auburn 0 (Feb. 9, 2020, in Clearwater, Fla.)

Last season’s record: 34-22 (Columbia Regional)

Top returning hitter: Kelly Ryono (.320/5 HR/35  RBI)

Top returning pitcher: Tori McQueen (2.41 ERA/126 K)

Story originally appeared on Auburn Wire

[saminbama 740]

I will be disappointed if we don't get a couple of run-rule wins this weekend.  Maybe not against the Big 10 teams, but the others?  Yeah.

[AUBwins 10,075]

this is great

 

[AUBwins 10,075]

The scores from the first set of games today.  2 run rules and an extra.