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.
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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