AUBURN, Ala. – After 27 non-conference games, Auburn will open Southeastern Conference play Friday, March 15 at 6 p.m. against Texas A&M. The two teams will play a three-game series this weekend with Saturday's game scheduled for 4 p.m. and Sunday's at 2 p.m.
Saturday's game will be broadcasted on SEC Network, while SEC Network + will handle Sunday's matchup.
"How can you not be excited," said Auburn softball head coach Mickey Dean. "It's conference (play). It's time to roll."
Despite the all-time series tied at 8, No. 20 Auburn (23-4, 0-0) leads the series 4-2 in games played in Auburn. However, the Aggies (16-8, 1-2) currently hold a three-game winning streak after taking last year's series.
"I'm excited. It seems like we've been waiting forever," said Makayla Martin. "I think we are all ready and excited. It should be a really good series."
The Tigers got off to a 3-2 start following the Sand Dollar Classic in Gulf Shores, but bounced back taking 13 of their next 15 games. The lone losses came against Texas Tech (5-4) and Washington (8-6 in nine innings). Auburn is currently riding a seven-game winning streak after sweeping the War Eagle Challenge last weekend and beating Georgia State, 12-1, in five innings two days ago.
"With the SEC conference as great as it is now, every weekend is like a Super Regional," said Bree Fornis. "You're coming out with the fans and the atmosphere and everything is on the line."
QUICK HITTERS:
- Taylon Snow and Casey McCrackin are tied with Arkansas' Hannah McEwen for the second-most hits in SEC play with 35. Florida's Amanda Lorenz leads the league with 36.
- Kendall Veach is one of three players tied for fourth in the SEC with 11 home runs. Mississippi State's Mia Davidson and Georgia's Alyssa DiCarlo pace the field with 14 each.
- Enter this weekend, Justus Perry is ranked second in the SEC with 12 hit-by-pitches. That's already a single-season career-high for the junior first baseman. South Carolina's Jana Johns (15) is the only SEC player to be hit by more pitches.
PROMOTIONS
Friday
- Mini Poster Set 2 Giveaway (first 500 fans)
- Atlanta Braves organist, Matthew Kaminski, in attendance
- Raptor Center appearance
- Post-game autographs
Saturday
- Post-game autographs
Sunday
- St Patrick's Day Green Mini Bat Giveaway (first 350 fans)
- Atlanta Braves organist, Matthew Kaminski, in attendance
- Post-game autographs