Game 1
Following a 4-1 defeat of Notre Dame on Friday, the Tigers were looking to carry that momentum into their Saturday doubleheader of the NFCA Leadoff Classic.
Things started slow against Liberty as they fell behind 3-0 after the 1st inning.
The bats stayed quiet for awhile, but back-to-back home runs from freshman Madison Koepke and senior Justus Perry was enough to give the Tigers a 5-3 lead.
After her first three runs in the first inning, senior Ashlee Swindle wouldn’t allow another run, defeating Liberty 5-3.
For Koepke, her first career home run was a special moment.
"I knew I needed to get the ball in the air because I had a runner on third and knew she was going to tag,” Koepke said. “I saw the ball in the air, so I knew I did my job. Then I saw it go over the fence. I was shocked and nearly started crying. I was excited."
For Perry, seeing younger players step up was her highlight of the day.
"Just our fight,” Perry said. “We have girls coming off the bench that are producing, and that's new for this team. Freshmen and returners – people coming off the bench to produce. You can see how much of a difference it makes."
Game 2
Just like Game 1, the Tigers were forced to make a comeback in the second game of the doubleheader.
Lexie Handley started the game for Auburn, but gave up two walks and a run in the first.
The Tigers made the move to sophomore Samantha Yarbrough, who pitched the next six shutout innings. Yarbrough gave up just one hit and struck out seven batters.
Again in the fourth inning, the Tigers jumped out to a 2-1 lead behind a double from Aspyn Godwin and a single from Koepke.
Tyler King added an insurance run in the seventh and the Tigers came away from Saturday with a 3-1 record on the season.
For head coach Mickey Dean, seeing different players step into bigger roles en route to two comeback victories was big.
"Sam (Yarbrough) came in and did a tremendous job in the circle,” Dean said. “Our defense did a tremendous job. We had bases loaded in the first inning against Liberty, and that was a tough one to get out of. Our defense and Sam got us out of that. Then you have Aspyn Godwin step in. She brought a lot of spark to our offense. Jaylin Calvert came in and hit a double down the line.
"A lot of people are playing important roles. I loved it."
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