Tigers Open 2017 at No. 2 in the Nation

Jan. 31, 2017

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Fresh off the greatest season in program history, including a trip to the Women's College World Series Championship Series, the Auburn softball team will begin the 2017 campaign at No. 2, according to the USA Today/NFCA Division I Preseason Coaches Poll released Tuesday morning.

The Tigers' No. 2 ranking is their highest preseason mark ever and is the same position in which they closed the 2016 season.

The back-to-back SEC Tournament champions and WCWS participants have a loaded schedule this upcoming season. Auburn is set to face 10 opponents in the annual preseason poll, including three in the top five.

No. 2 Auburn tangles with No. 1 Oklahoma to kick off the 2017 season in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Feb. 9. The battle between the highest ranked teams is set for 1 p.m. and can be seen on ESPNU. The Tigers then face off with No. 13 Washington later that evening at 7 p.m., which will be available on the WatchESPN app.

Auburn welcomes three ranked teams to Jane B. Moore Field as No. 14 James Madison (Feb. 25-26), No. 4 LSU (March 10-12) and No. 17 Missouri (April 14-16) are set to make their way to The Plains this season.

The Tigers will be battle-tested this season as they hit the road for tilts with No. 15 Tennessee (March 14), No. 25 USF (March 17), No. 4 Florida (March 25-27), No. 12 Georgia (March 31-April 2) and No. 7 Alabama (May 5-7).

Auburn opens the season across the border, but then entertains 21 consecutive home games beginning with SIU-Edwardsville, Feb. 16.USA Today/NFCA Division I Coaches Poll