Opening Weekend on the Plains: Auburn softball hosts War Eagle Classic

Opening Weekend on the Plains has arrived as Auburn softball (4-2) returns to Jane B. Moore Field to host Illinois (0-5), Bradley (2-3), Binghamton (1-4) and Campbell (5-0) for the War Eagle Classic.

Auburn's Kylie Brockman (21) during the game between the Auburn Tigers and the Michigan State SpartansOpening Weekend on the Plains: Auburn softball hosts War Eagle Classic
David Gray/Auburn Tigers
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AUBURN, Ala. – Opening Weekend on the Plains has arrived as Auburn softball (4-2) returns to Jane B. Moore Field to host Illinois (0-5), Bradley (2-3), Binghamton (1-4) and Campbell (5-0) for the War Eagle Classic.

“It’s going to be some awesome to be able to play at home again,” said co-head coach Chris Malveaux. “Last season was so much fun. That fans, the environment. Everything about playing at Jane B. Moore Field is a blast. It is truly an honor to be able to play there. When we are on the road, we don’t have that outside environment around you. Sometimes, you really have to dig in. Last weekend, our team had to do that. We’re really excited to be able to play at home.”

The Tigers have six games on deck for the War Eagle Classic, which begins Thursday at 5 p.m. CT with Illinois, Auburn’s third Big Ten opponent on the schedule. The Tigers earned victory over Michigan State and Penn State at the NFCA Leadoff Classic.

Auburn will be honoring the late Mike “Helmet Guy” Cooper with commemorative mini-helmets available while supplies last.

Friday’s action features two teams with lots of ties to the Tigers. Auburn faces Bradley at 4:30 p.m. CT. Co-head coach Kate Malveaux competed for the Braves and the Malveauxs met at Bradley as the pair were both on the coaching staff in 2012. The Tigers then face Campbell at 7 p.m. CT. The Fighting Camels are led by three-time Auburn All-American Emily Carosone.

Fans will receive a free Opening Weekend on the Plains trucker hats on Friday while supplies last.

Saturday features a rematch with the Braves at 4:30 p.m. CT before the Tigers take on Binghamton at 7 p.m. CT. For Valentine’s Day, fans will receive custom Auburn softball conversation hearts while supplies last.

Sunday’s finale versus Campbell is set for 11:30 a.m. CT.

All six contests will air on the SEC Network+. JJ Jackson and Auburn softball alumna Shelby Lowe will be in the booth for Thursday’s game. Graham Doty and Lowe will have Friday’s first contest while Doty will be joined by Auburn softball alumna Amy Rief for Friday’s finale. The remaining three games will be passthroughs, featuring the Auburn Sports Network call.

All six contests will also be available on WEGL 91.1 FM and the Auburn Sports Network.

Auburn is coming off a 4-2 weekend to open the 2026 slate. After falling on the road at North Florida to open the season, the Tigers responded with a 4-1 showing at the NFCA Leadoff Classic with wins over Notre Dame, Michigan State, No. 13 Clemson and Penn State.

Kylie Brockman was hot out the gates to begin her junior season. The catcher put together a five-game hit streak. Brockman is tied for the team lead in hits (9) with sophomore Kylie Shaw and freshman Haven Roebuck. The trio tied for the third most hits in the SEC over opening weekend. Brockman added a .563 batting average, which was good for seventh in the SEC. She also ranked tied for sixth in the SEC with eight RBI.  

Roebuck earned national honors after her debut, being selected as Softball on SI’s Co-Freshman of the Week. She's currently tied for the team lead in hits (9), RBI (8) and runs scored (7) and leads the Southeastern Conference with five doubles. She has scored at least one run in every contest and has recorded multiple hits in three of Auburn's six games.

Sophomore Ella Harrison was the standout in the pitching circle over opening weekend. The right-hander made four appearances, including two starts, and earned a pair of wins and a save. The biggest win was a complete game effort in Auburn's upset win over Clemson.

She recorded an 11-strikeout performance in a complete game over her former Big Ten foe Penn State. It was her eighth 10+ strikeout game of her career. She is the first Tiger pitcher since Maddie Penta (5/18/24) to strike out 10 or more in a game.

Harrison closed opening weekend as the SEC leader in complete games (2), appearances (4), saves (1) and strikeouts (22). Her 9.1 strikeouts per seven innings average is good for 10th in the league. She has struck out at least two batters in all four of her appearances.

For her efforts down in Clearwater, Harrison was tabbed to the NFCA Leadoff Classic All-Tournament Team.