Coming off a rough weekend during the Eagle Invitational, the Alabama State softball team will be looking to bounce back when it host Auburn for the first time in the program's history on Wednesday, March 6 at the Barbara Williams Softball Complex. First pitch is set for 4 p.m.
 
“Hosting auburn is good for the reputation here at Alabama State,” Assistant Coach Kevin Montgomery said. “Softball is trying to represent and show that we can compete and win playing against the bigger schools.”
 
“After playing a tough Southeastern Athletic Conference opponent this weekend, we hope that we can play better on defense so that we minimize opposing runs scored. Also, I hope that we get ourselves back going offensively as well.”
 
This will be the fifth meeting between the two squads, with Auburn holding a 4-0 win-loss advantage over ASU. AU defeated the Lady Hornets 6-0 in their last meeting on February 9, 2012 during their season opener in Auburn, Ala.  
 
The Lady Hornets are now batting a .214 collectively, with a home run, 76 hits, six doubles, two triples, 19 RBI, and 22 runs scored. Although, ASU's offense has struggled to produce runs in its first 15 games, Alabama State has stolen a combined eleven-of-13 base paths, with senior captain shortstop Brehanna Rodrigues leading the way, going seven-for seven so far this season.
 
As a team, ASU batted a .179, with 22 hits, two doubles, two RBI, four runs scored, and 24 total bases during the Eagle Invitational this past weekend.
 
“We have to execute more on offense,” Montgomery stated. “We are really relying on two people to get the job done and when the times for others to step up, it's not getting done.”
 
The Tigers defeated Southern University in their last outing on Sunday, March 3 during its War Eagle Classic, 14-0. Auburn is led by sophomore centerfielder Branndi Melero. The Canyon County, Calif. native brings a .458 batting into Wednesday's contest, which includes 27 hits, 23 runs scored, four doubles, a triple, five home runs, 27 RBI, and six stolen bases.
 
“Auburn is beatable,” said Montgomery. “We just have to play solid and put some runs up on the scoreboard.”
                                           




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