Though the season doesn’t start until Feb. 12, Auburn softball will look to improve after being picked to finish 11th in the preseason coaches poll.
In 2020, the Tigers finished 16-11 overall and were 0-3 in conference play before the season was canceled. Auburn looks to maintain momentum from last season as they ended the year on a two-game win streak.
The Tigers are bringing back four of their six seniors from last season as they were all given the option to use an extra year of eligibility because of COVID-19.
Overall, Auburn’s roster will have 13 total upperclassmen and 14 underclassmen this season. Despite the No. 11 ranking, the Tigers still have had players earn preseason honors throughout January.
In her first season at Auburn, Samantha Yarbrough pitched in 13 games and finished with a 6-0 record. Yarbrough transferred to Auburn ahead of the 2020 season after spending one year at South Alabama.
The junior pitcher has been racking up the preseason accolades as she was named one of Softball America’s Top 25 College Juniors and was also named No. 68 on Softball America’s Top 100.
Joining Yarbrough on Softball America’s Top 100 list is Kaylee Horton, a transfer from Ole Miss. Horton did not play for the Rebels in 2020 but still came in at No. 90 on Softball America’s list.
Freshman pitcher Maddie Penta was named one of the Top 25 College Freshmen by Softball America.
Auburn softball begins its season hosting Southeast Missouri State on Feb. 12.
2021 SEC Softball Preseason Coaches' Poll
1. Alabama
2. LSU
3. Florida
4. Tennessee
5. Kentucky
6. Arkansas
7. Georgia
8. Missouri
9. South Carolina
10. Mississippi State
11. Auburn
12. Texas A&M
13. Ole Miss
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Larry is a senior studying journalism with a minor in sociology. He is from Enterprise, Alabama and is in his third year with The Auburn Plainsman.
Twitter: @ReportingLarry
