Maddie Penta, Nelia Peralta named preseason All-SEC

Two of Auburn’s top playmakers from last season are poised for another great season.

Auburn softball’s top playmakers from last season are earning preseason respect from SEC head coaches.

Senior pitcher [autotag]Maddie Penta[/autotag] and junior shortstop [autotag]Nelia Peralta[/autotag] were recently named to the 2024 preseason All-SEC team, as voted on by the 13 head coaches representing SEC programs.

The All-SEC preseason nod is one of many that Penta has collected this preseason. Penta is also a member of D1Softball’s top 100, Softball America’s top 100, Softball America’s top 25 pitchers, and is on USA Softball’s Collegiate Player of the Year watchlist.

The 2023 season was a decorated one for Penta, who took home three All-American honors and was named SEC Pitcher of the Year after striking out 303 batters and posting an ERA of 1.33 in 220.0 innings of work.

Peralta returns to Auburn as the team’s leading hitter from a season ago. Peralta hit at a .329 clip with 54 hits, nine home runs, and 23 RBI. She collected 92 total bases and slugged .561. Her efforts landed her a spot on the NFCA All-Southeast Region team and a place on the All-SEC second team.

Penta, Peralta, and the rest of the Tigers will open the season on Feb. 9 against Virginia Tech at Jane B. Moore Field.

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