Auburn softball absolutely dominated and powered past South Alabama on Tuesday in an 11-2 run-rule victory at Jaguar Field. The 20-10 Tigers ended the game in the fifth inning thanks to a career offensive performance from Delaney Aumua.
The freshman Aumua heavily drove Auburn’s offense, finishing 2-for-3 with a grand slam, a double and six RBIs — her career-high. Her grand slam came in the first inning, allowing Auburn to instantly take control of the game with a 6-0 lead. It marked the first grand slam of her college career and sparked a quick start that South Alabama (19-12) ultimately could not recover from.
The Tigers’ offensive dominance was helped by their discipline at the plate. Auburn drew a total of 12 walks, marking a season-high and tying for the fourth-most walks in a single game in program history. The first two runs scored by Auburn were done without a hit being recorded, taking full advantage of South Alabama starter Ryley Harrison’s control struggles on the mound.
“We were patient at the plate,” said co-head coach Chris Malveaux. “That was a big goal today: controlling the zone and letting the game come to us.”
After Aumua’s grand slam cracked the game open in the first inning, Auburn continued to put pressure on South Alabama’s pitching in the second inning. The Tigers, once again, loaded the bases through several walks and Aumua came through with an RBI double to add two more runs and extend the lead to 8-0.
“She’s another one who is not overswinging and is letting the game come to her,” Malveaux said of Aumua. “South Alabama can be a tough place to play. It was important for us to score early and put multiple runs up. Kudos to her for stepping up.”
The Tigers repeated their second-inning antics and added another two runs in the third inning to put the game out of reach. Left fielder Kylie Shaw doubled to lead off the frame, then Alyssa Hastings drew a walk and joined her on the bases. Senior McKaela Walker then followed with an RBI single, and AnnaLea Adams added another run with a sacrifice fly to put Auburn up 10-0.
Auburn put up its final run in the fourth inning when freshman Daigle Wilson walked, stole second, advanced to third on a wild throw and then scored on a wild pitch to give Auburn its 11th run of the game.
Starting pitcher SJ Geurin put up a very strong outing, holding South Alabama scoreless and to just one hit through the first two innings. South Alabama scored their two runs in the third on a two-out double, yet Geurin still secured the win and improved her record to 5-3 on the season. This marked the 30th victory of her college career. Pitchers Malayna Tamborra and Blayne Godfrey combined for two scoreless relief innings following Geurin’s performance to secure the 11-2 run-rule victory.
With this win, Auburn improved to 16-1 this season when scoring at least six runs, continuing their successes when they find an early rhythm. The Tigers will return home on Wednesday, March 18, to play against Jacksonville State at Jane B. Moore Field for Fan Appreciation Night.
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Lila is a freshman majoring in journalism sports production. She started with The Plainsman in the fall of 2025.
