Feb. 21, 2018
NORTHRIDGE, Calif. -- No. 12 Auburn softball picked up their 14th-consecutive win to start the season on Wednesday, defeating CSUN 8-0 at the Matador Softball Field.
The Tigers are 14-0 for the first time since 2012 when Auburn won a program record-tying 15-straight to open the season. The win is also the 11th shutout through 14 games played.
Auburn's pitching contingent of Kaylee Carlson, Makayla Martin, Chardonnay Harris, Ashlee Swindle and Kara Bilodeau all took turns in the circle in the three-hit combined effort. Martin (7-0) was credited with the win, pitching 2.0 innings of relief ball with three strikeouts.
Senior catcher Courtney Shea led the way at the plate, batting 3-for-3 with a RBI and run scored. It is the first three-hit game of the Mountain Brook, Ala. product's career.
Junior Casey McCrackin and freshman Jenna Olzewski belted their first homeruns of the season. Olzewski's was also the first hit of her career.
Sophomore Alyssa Rivera continued her offensive tear of late, recording a pair of hits, including her seventh double of the season, and a RBI.
The Matadors (4-7) threatened late in the sixth inning as they broke up Auburn's no-hit bid with back-to-back singles off Swindle and then loaded the bases following a base on balls. Swindle then induced a two-out groundout to second to eliminate the threat.
The Tigers finished with 11 hits to CSUN's three.
CSUN's starting pitcher Taylor Troost (2-4) was charged with the loss after surrendering six runs, four earned, and eight hits.
Auburn will make a quick turnaround, traveling to other side of Los Angeles to Palm Springs for the Mary Nutter Classic. The Tigers will take on Notre Dame at 12 a.m. CT and Wisconsin at 2:30 p.m. CT.