May 22, 2017
By Tori Sisson
AuburnTigers.com
AUBURN, Ala. - Auburn's hitting surge comes at an ideal time, in the midst of what the Tigers hope will be a third straight Women's College World Series appearance.
The Tigers belted 16 hits--scoring seven runs in the first two innings--in Sunday's 8-2 NCAA Regional-clinching victory over California, earning Auburn's third consecutive Super Regional berth.
"This is one of the top games that I've been a part of this season," catcher Carlee Wallace said. "It's just so fun to see everyone's hard work show and to see everyone be successful at some point during the game."
Auburn's offense, which has been searching for its identity for the better part of the season, seems to have finally found its groove.
"Our offense hasn't clicked until now and what better time?" said third baseman Kasey Cooper, who hit a solo home run in the top of the seventh to cap a four-hit day. "We had 31 hits in two games--that's a statement piece saying that we're here to play."
"The bats are coming alive at the right time," said shortstop Haley Fagan, who hit a two-run home run in the first. "You can't ask for a better time for the bats to get hot than going into Supers."
Needing two wins to return to Oklahoma City, the Tigers will carry momentum, and the home-field advantage, into the Super Regional.
"From a confidence standpoint, everybody's confident, everybody's seeing the ball really well," said Cooper. "We just played a great pitcher and we handled her. We came out much better in game two than game one, and that's what we want to do in Super Regionals. Now we have one week to prepare for the next team coming in."
Auburn will host Oklahoma in the Super Regional, a rematch of last year's WCWS championship series.
After the stellar weekend performance, Auburn's expectations are high.
"Auburn Softball is playing well," coach Clint Myers said. "We've just got to keep it going through the Supers and into the College World Series."