Tag: Mickey Dean

Auburn softball: How to watch, stream, listen to the Jane B. Moore Memorial Tournament

Northwestern, North Texas, and USC Upstate embark on the Plains this weekend to compete in the Jane B. Moore Memorial Tournament. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of this weekend’s action.

Auburn softball hosts the Jane B. Moore Memorial Tournament this weekend at Jane B. Moore Field in Auburn. If you are wondering how to watch, stream, or listen to the action live, you have come to the right place.

The Tigers earned an 8-0 win over Georgia State in six innings Thursday night, and will look to carry that momentum into the final weekend before SEC play begins. USC Upstate and North Texas will flock to Auburn this weekend to participate in the Jane B. Moore Memorial Tournament but the headliner of the weekend will be the Northwestern Wildcats, who competed in the Women’s College World Series last season.

This weekend’s slate will be a great appetizer for SEC play and head coach [autotag]Mickey Dean[/autotag] is excited about the challenge.

“These are teams that usually compete for their conference championships. It’s going to be a great challenge for us,” Dean said. “Of course, we get to deal with rain again. Hopefully, we’re able to get in some games and are really tested before we head into SEC play.”

Below, you will find key information ahead of this weekend’s action including a broadcast guide, Auburn’s potential starting lineup, and ticket prices.

Auburn shuts out Georgia State behind Penta’s perfect game

The Auburn ace has now struck out 34 batters while allowing just two hits over her last three appearances in the circle.

If anyone can top a no-hit, 11-strikeout performance in her next appearance, it is Auburn right-hander [autotag]Maddie Penta[/autotag].

Last weekend, Penta completed the second no-hitter of the Plainsman Invite by shutting out Northern Iowa. Thursday, she took it one step further by tossing a perfect game in Auburn’s 8-0 run-rule win over Georgia State at Jane B. Moore Field in Auburn.

Penta meant business early on by striking out the first batter of the game. She went on to strike out at least two batters over the final five innings and reached a streak of nine straight strikeouts between the 3rd and 6th innings to end the game with a season-best 13 strikeouts. Penta’s perfect game is the third in program history, and the first since [autotag]Kaylee Carlson[/autotag]’s perfect game against Ohio State in 2017.

Head coach [autotag]Mickey Dean[/autotag] credits the entire defense for Thursday’s perfect performance.

“Perfect games are special,” Dean said. “Maddie stayed ahead and put them away early in the count. A great game behind the plate from Aubrie (Lisenby) to go along with some great defensive efforts. We got some timely hits late to put it away.”

Auburn’s bats took a while to warm up Thursday, as they held a 1-0 advantage through three innings. Auburn’s offense came to life in the middle innings as they scored six runs over the next two innings. Auburn’s four-run 5th inning was headlined by a two-run RBI single by [autotag]Nelia Peralta[/autotag]. [autotag]Chelea Clemmons[/autotag] put the run-rule into effect in the 6th inning by sending [autotag]Mariah Penta[/autotag] home on an RBI single.

Penta and [autotag]Makayla Packer[/autotag] combined to record four of Auburn’s eight hits while [autotag]Aubrie Lisenby[/autotag] ended the game with three RBI.

Auburn returns to Jane B. Moore Field this weekend to host Northwestern, North Texas, and USC Upstate as part of the Jane B. Moore Memorial. Auburn opens the weekend at 5 p.m. CT Friday against Northwestern, a Women’s College World Series participant from last season.

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Lowe, Widra combine to no-hit Southeast Missouri in Plainsman Invite opener

Auburn kicks off the weekend in dominating fashion as Shelby Lowe and Annabelle Widra combined to strike out nine batters in a run-rule affair.

After spending a successful weekend in Mexico, Auburn softball returned to the Plains on Friday to kick off the Plainsman Invite.

The Tigers used the momentum gained at the Puerto Vallarta College Classic last week to fuel a dominating performance against Southeast Missouri on Friday afternoon. [autotag]Annabelle Widra[/autotag] launched two home runs and locked down a no-hitter in the circle alongside [autotag]Shelby Lowe[/autotag] as Auburn defeated the Redhawks, 8-0, in five innings.

Lowe started the game in the circle and struck out seven batters over three innings of work. Widra, who started the game at shortstop, completed the final two innings by striking out two more batters. Head coach [autotag]Mickey Dean[/autotag] says that he was pleased with the way that Lowe, Widra, and the rest of the team took advantage of the opportunities given to them.

“Shelby (Lowe) had a lot of strikeouts and kept them way off balance. Annabelle (Widra) pitched perfection and then hit two home runs. There’s not a whole lot not to like. It’s important that we focus on those opportunities. I thought we did a nice job today. The players that we put into the game took advantage of what was in front of them.”

[autotag]Icess Tresvik[/autotag] joined Widra by recording multiple hits in the game by adding two to Auburn’s total of nine. Amelia Lech drove in two runs on a double in the 4th inning while [autotag]KK McCrary[/autotag], [autotag]Anna Wohlers[/autotag], and [autotag]Riley McNemar[/autotag] each added one RBI.

The weekend schedule has been altered due to what Auburn softball has referred to as “unforseen circumstances” that has forced Longwood to exit the Plainsman Invite. Auburn will now face Northern Iowa at 1 p.m. CT on Saturday, and will meet Southeast Missouri in a rematch at 4 p.m. CT before concluding the weekend with Northern Iowa on Sunday at 2 p.m. CT. Saturday’s games are still slated to be broadcast on SEC Network+.

Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on  X (Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Taylor on Twitter @TaylorJones__

Softball: How to watch, stream, listen to the Plainsman Invite

Auburn returns to Jane B. Moore Field this weekend to face Longwood, Northern Iowa, and Southeast Missouri State for the Plainsman Invite.

Auburn softball returns to Jane B. Moore Field this weekend to host Longwood, Southeast Missouri State, and Northern Iowa for the Plainsman Invite. If you are wondering how to watch, stream, or listen to the action live, you have come to the right place.

The Tigers return to the Plains this weekend after going 3-0 at the Puerto Vallarta College Challenge, including a victory over then-No. 13 Utah. Head coach [autotag]Mickey Dean[/autotag] says that he hopes to see his team progress in a few ways this weekend.

“This weekend is going to provide a different challenge for our team,” Dean said. “The one thing I’m going to be looking at is staying in our process while on offense. The pitching we are going to be facing will be a little different. How easily can we be distracted and get out of our process? Can we stay within it so that we can continue to progress and continue to get better?”

Below, you will find key information for the Plainsman Invite such as a broadcast guide, ticket prices, and players to watch.

Auburn softball splits season-opening twin bill with Virginia Tech, Belmont

The No. 19 Tigers dropped its opener with Virginia Tech before bouncing back to stomp Belmont in the nightcap.

The 2024 campaign has officially kicked off for the No. 19 Auburn Tigers, and they close out opening day with a 1-1 record.

Auburn met Virginia Tech and Belmont on Friday as part of the opening day of the Tiger Invitational at Jane B. Moore Field. The first game of the day saw Auburn force extra innings with the Hokies before ultimately suffering defeat, 8-1. The Tigers were able to bounce back in game two by earning a five-run win over Belmont to close the day, 6-1.

Head coach [autotag]Mickey Dean[/autotag] shared what he hopes to see his team improve upon before Saturday’s action.

“We weren’t consistent with extra-base hits throughout the day,” Dean said. “We’re hitting balls to the fence but getting singles. We need to be more aggressive on the base paths. We weren’t productive with runners on base. We struck out a lot with runners on base. We can’t win ball games like that.”

Auburn (1-1) struck first in its opening game with Virginia Tech (2-0). Maryland transfer [autotag]Amelia Lech[/autotag] introduced herself to the Auburn faithful by drilling a solo home run over the center field fence to put the Tigers up, 1-0 in the 4th inning. Virginia Tech’s Emily LeGette answered by hitting a solo shot of her own to tie the game in the ensuing inning.

The game remained tied at 1-1 until the top of the 8th inning when Virginia Tech rattled off seven runs to end the game with an 8-1 win. The Hokies scored runs on an Auburn error, a sacrifice fly, and a single, with the final blow being a grand slam off the bat of Rachel Castine.

The second-half of the twinbill began the same as the first, with a solo home run. This time, it was [autotag]KK McCrary[/autotag] that did the damage. Her 1st inning home run put Auburn ahead of Belmont (1-1), 1-0, and the Tigers would ride that momentum to a 6-1 victory over the Bruins. McCrary and [autotag]Skylar Elkins[/autotag] each had two RBI in the contest.

[autotag]Maddie Penta[/autotag] struck out eight batters in 7.0 innings of work in the Tigers loss to Virginia Tech. She allowed six hits, a walk, and an earned run in her season debut. [autotag]Annabelle Widra[/autotag] earned the win over Belmont by striking out five batters over 2.0 innings.  [autotag]Shelby Lowe[/autotag] combined to strike out three batters in 3.0 innings between both games.

Offensively, [autotag]Icess Tresvik[/autotag] was the lone batter to record multiple hits in either game, as she ended the day going 4-or-8 at the plate with three singles and a double.

Auburn looks to avenge Friday’s loss to Virginia Tech on Saturday by facing the Hokies in a rematch at 1 p.m. CT. The Tigers will also meet Illinois at 4 p.m. CT for the first time this weekend. The Fighting Illini dropped both of their games on Friday to Virginia Tech and Belmont respectively.

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Auburn Softball Player Profile: Maddie Penta

As the 2024 softball season looms closer, take a look at the numbers posted by Auburn’s ace pitcher, Maddie Penta.

Auburn softball is set to start in just a matter of days, and the Tigers are looking to make it back in the NCAA Tournament again this year after they made their third-straight regional appearance in 2023.

Entering his seventh year on the Plains, head coach [autotag]Mickey Dean[/autotag] is looking to coach his team to another new high in wins under his tenure after Auburn was victorious in 43 games last season.

As we prepare for Opening Day, we highlight the career of senior pitcher [autotag]Maddie Penta[/autotag], who has been a leader and staple in Auburn softball. She has been one of the top pitchers in the nation over the course of her career, and had arguably her best performance last season.

Here is a look at Maddie Penta’s career numbers:

Auburn softball picked to finish 5th by SEC coaches

The Tigers are looking to build on its most successful season since 2017.

Auburn softball enjoyed its most successful season since 2017 last season and is poised to capitalize in 2024.

The preseason SEC coaches poll has been released for the 2024 season, and head coaches from the conference predict that the Tigers will finish fifth this season after Auburn earns 100 points in the preseason forecast.

Auburn earned 43 overall wins in 2023 and finished the tough SEC slate with a 15-9 record. Included in those 15 wins were a sweep of Missouri and series wins over Alabama and LSU. This season, Auburn will meet eight teams ranked in D1Softball’s preseason poll beginning with No. 7 Clemson and No. 14 Utah during the Puerto Vallarta Challenge Feb. 15-17.

Auburn will boast a solid pitching staff this season led by [autotag]Maddie Penta[/autotag]. The senior from Chesapeake City, Maryland has struck out 677 total batters while posting an ERA of 1.75 in 106 appearances over the last three seasons on the Plains. Notable lineup pieces such as [autotag]Nelia Peralta[/autotag], [autotag]Rose Roach[/autotag], and [autotag]Makayla Packer[/autotag] also return to [autotag]Mickey Dean[/autotag]’s club this season.

Auburn begins the 2024 season on Friday, Feb. 9 by hosting Virginia Tech and Belmont on day one of the Tiger Invitational at Jane B. Moore Field.

Here’s a look at the 2024 SEC Softball Preseason Coaches’ Poll

2024 SEC Softball Preseason Coaches’ Poll

(First-place votes in Parentheses)

Place School Points
1. Tennessee (6) 137
2. Georgia (6) 136
3. LSU 106
4. Arkansas 103
5. Auburn 100
6. Alabama 88
7. Florida (1) 77
8. Texas A&M 75
9. South Carolina 68
10. Kentucky 53
11. Missouri 28
12. Ole Miss 24
13. Mississippi State 19

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Auburn Softball hires Hannah Sparks as assistant coach

Sparks won two national championships at Oklahoma, one as a player and another as an assistant coach.

Auburn has announced the addition of [autotag]Hannah Sparks[/autotag] to its coaching staff. Sparks spent last season as a volunteer assistant coach with the national champion Oklahoma Sooners.

“We’re excited to welcome Hannah to our staff,” head coach [autotag]Mickey Dean[/autotag] said of the hiring. “Hannah will work with our catchers as well as assist with our infielders. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from her time as a player and coach at Oklahoma.”

The Thomasville, Alabama native won a national championship with the Sooners as a catcher in 2017. After graduating the next year, Sparks immediately launched her coaching career.

She spent three seasons as a hitting and catching coach and recruiting coordinator at Pearl River Community College in Mississippi and as a graduate assistant at Lee University in Tennessee prior to returning to Oklahoma.

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Auburn Softball Year in Review: Shelby Lowe

She improved in several key areas from last season.

Auburn’s season came to a close six days ago when the Clemson Tigers beat them 5-1 in the regional finals.

The Tigers made it to the NCAA Regionals for the third straight season and their 43 wins were the most they have managed since [autotag]Mickey Dean[/autotag] took over and they finished third in the SEC.

Up next in our Year in Review series is pitcher [autotag]Shelby Lowe[/autotag]. Lowe was Auburn’s No. 2 pitcher behind [autotag]Maddie Penta[/autotag] and lowered her ERA, walks and batting average against in her third season on the Plains.

YEAR IN REVIEW: 

Here is a look at Shelby Lowe’s junior season.

Auburn Softball Year in Review: Denver Bryant

Bryant took on a new role for the Tigers in 2023, and played the part well.

Auburn’s season came to an end at the hands of the Clemson Tigers in the final game of the Clemson Regional last week.

The Tigers played in their third-straight regional and won 43 games for the first time under [autotag]Mickey Dean[/autotag]’s leadership.

Up next in our Year in Review series is junior third baseman [autotag]Denver Bryant[/autotag]. Bryant had a bigger role for the Tigers this season and had a solid junior campaign at the plate.

YEAR IN REVIEW: 

Here is a look back at Denver Bryant’s junior season: