AUBURN, Ala. – The Auburn softball team dropped a 1-0 decision to Wallace State CC-Dothan in the fall opener Friday night.
The quartet of Lexie Handley, Chardonnay Harris, Makayla Martin and Ashlee Swindle each pitched two innings and combined for 10 strikeouts to lead the Tigers in the circle.
"I felt good about how our pitchers threw tonight," head coach Mickey Dean said. "Makayla's movement was ridiculous. Ashlee's dropball was really working for her tonight. I thought Chardonnay and Lexie pitched well, too."
The Tigers, however, were unable to get it going offensively and fell to the Governors in eight innings, 1-0.
"We spun and rotated all night at the plate," Dean stated. "We didn't see half the balls we hit. What we work on in practice, we've got to be able to do that when the lights come on, there's people in the stands and you have an opponent. You have to perform and we didn't."
Auburn was limited to three hits in the exhibition at Jane B. Moore Field - all singles from Morgan Podany, Alyssa Rivera and Kendall Veach. The team combined for eight stolen bases on the night, as well.
"This is what fall ball is for," Dean said. "Everybody got to play tonight. I need to see some things offensively and see if we're willing to make adjustments."
The Tigers return to the field for a doubleheader Sunday against Wallace State CC-Hanceville and Northwest Florida State CC. First pitch is set for 1 p.m. CT.
Following the final game, there will be an autograph session for fans in attendance.
As with all home fall games, admission is free to the public. There will be limited concessions serving bottled beverages, assorted candy and snacks.