AUBURN, Ala. – Facing its first true road test of the season, No. 21 Auburn softball (9-1) treks to Jacksonville State to face the Gamecocks (6-3) Wednesday at 5 p.m. CT at University Field.
Wednesday's midweek contest is schedule to air on ESPN+. Fans can also catch the action on the Auburn Sports Network with Brit Bowen on the call.
"Jacksonville State is a good team," said head coach Mickey Dean. "They last time we played them was in a NCAA Regional, and they sent us home. They've been playing good ball. It's on the road, so they are going to pack the house. They have a few special events happening that day. We are going to play in front of a truly hostile crowd. It will be out first road experience of the year, so we'll see how our young team responds."
LEADING OFF
- In its first midweek test of the season, Auburn travels to Jacksonville State for the first time since 2009 in Auburn's first true road test of the season. Auburn leads the all-time series against JSU, 18-2. Auburn holds a 4-1 record in games played at Jacksonville, Ala.
- Nearing a major program milestone to coincide with the 25th anniversary of the program's inaugural season, Auburn is just one win shy of recording its 900th victory in program history.
- Relying on its youth at the St. Pete Clearwater Elite Invitational, Auburn's lineup feature eight freshmen and sophomores earning starts in all five contests. Auburn's entire infield, including its starting pitcher, was either a freshman or a sophomore over its five tournament games.
- With staggering home run numbers through the early stages of the season, Auburn currently leads the SEC and ranks 11th nationally as it averages 1.60 home runs per game. Eight different Tigers have hit a home run this season with freshman Bri Ellis and sophomore Makayla Packer leading the team with four each. Auburn's freshman class has slugged seven of Auburn's 16 home runs.
- Led by a pair of sophomores, Auburn's pitching staff is once again proving it's one of the best in the league in terms of strikeout production. Maddie Penta currently leads the league and ranks 13th nationally with 45 total strikeouts while Shelby Lowe sits second in the SEC with 43.
- A perfect 22-for-22 in stolen base attempts over her career, sophomore Makayla Packer has moved into a tie for 18th in program history with five other Tigers, including Auburn assistant coach Emily Carosone, for most stolen bases. Packer is just four steals away from moving herself into the top 15.
ON DECK
Auburn returns to Jane B. Moore Field this weekend to host the Plainsman Invite. Auburn opens the tournament on Friday at 2:30 p.m. CT against ULM before taking on Syracuse at 5 p.m. CT. Auburn will also face Bradley and Delaware State over the weekend.