Auburn Softball’s No. 25 Team Travels to Troy for Midweek Game

The Auburn Tigers, ranked No. 25 in the country, are gearing up for a critical midweek road game against the Troy Trojans. The contest, which will take place at Troy University’s Troy Softball Complex, represents another important fixture for the Tigers as they look to build momentum throughout the season. Auburn, having started the season strong, now faces a challenge in maintaining their ranking and continuing their winning ways as they head to face a Troy team eager to prove its own worth in the competitive world of college softball.

This matchup between Auburn and Troy is significant for multiple reasons. Auburn, a perennial powerhouse in SEC softball, is always looking to make an impact in both the conference and national rankings, while Troy, though a non-Power Five program, has shown that it is more than capable of competing against big-name schools. The game is also a great example of the unpredictable nature of midweek matchups in college softball, where programs often face tough opponents outside of their regular conference schedule.

In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into both teams, their recent form, key players, and what to watch for as Auburn travels to Troy for this important midweek matchup.

Auburn Tigers: No. 25 and Fighting to Stay Competitive

Auburn University, with its storied softball program, has long been a force in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), a league known for producing some of the top softball talent in the nation. Over the years, the Tigers have developed a reputation for aggressive play, strong pitching, and potent offense, elements that continue to be staples of their success under head coach Mickey Dean.

As of the 2025 season, Auburn’s softball team enters the game against Troy with an impressive 25-7 record and a No. 25 ranking in the NCAA. The Tigers have been solid both at the plate and in the circle, which has contributed to their strong start to the season. Their record includes a mixture of dominant victories over in-state rivals and top-ranked teams, alongside some tough losses against elite competition, which is typical of the rigorous SEC schedule.

Key Players for Auburn

One of the key factors in Auburn’s strong season has been the performance of several standout players, each contributing significantly in different areas of the game.

Jenna Lord, Auburn’s star senior outfielder, has been a major contributor to the offense, boasting an impressive .400 batting average. Lord’s speed on the base paths and ability to hit for both power and average make her a dangerous weapon for opposing teams. Her leadership on and off the field has been crucial in helping Auburn stay competitive in a tough conference like the SEC.

In the circle, Makayla Martin has been a standout pitcher for Auburn. As a senior, Martin has developed into one of the top pitchers in the SEC, with an ERA hovering around 2.30. Her ability to change speeds, maintain control, and generate strikeouts has allowed Auburn to remain competitive in even the toughest matchups. Martin’s performance in this game against Troy will be key to Auburn’s success, especially considering that midweek games often hinge on the quality of pitching.

On the offensive side of the game, Carlee Wallace has been another key player for the Tigers. A dynamic presence behind the plate and at bat, Wallace’s ability to hit for power, combined with her strong defensive skills, makes her a critical asset for Auburn. Her leadership in calling pitches and handling Auburn’s pitchers has been equally crucial, and she’s a player to watch as the Tigers look to control the game against Troy.

Auburn’s Strategy: Balanced Attack and Solid Defense

The key to Auburn’s success this season has been their ability to execute a well-rounded game plan. The Tigers’ offense has been explosive, but it’s their defense, both on the field and in the pitching circle, that has been the true backbone of their success. Auburn’s pitching staff, which has depth in both starters and relievers, will need to limit Troy’s offensive opportunities to give the Tigers the best chance at a win.

Auburn will likely focus on its powerful offensive lineup, but they will also need to be cautious of Troy’s ability to capitalize on any defensive mistakes or lapses in pitching. The Tigers’ ability to stay sharp and execute fundamentals—whether that’s maintaining a strong pitching performance or getting timely hits—will be key to their success.

Troy Trojans: Hungry for a Signature Victory

While Auburn is the heavily favored team going into this game, the Troy Trojans are no strangers to pulling off upsets. With a record of 18-9 and playing in the Sun Belt Conference, Troy has had a strong start to its season. The Trojans have faced a difficult schedule so far and have held their own against some formidable opponents, which makes them a team that could present a challenge for Auburn.

Troy has made significant strides in recent years under head coach Mona Stephens. The Trojans have developed into a competitive program in the Sun Belt and have regularly challenged teams outside their conference. They have a history of developing talented players, and the 2025 squad is no exception. Troy’s fast-paced offense and aggressive approach on the base paths could provide Auburn with a unique challenge that may not be found in the SEC.

Key Players for Troy

Troy’s success this season has been propelled by the play of Payton Schaefer, their senior pitcher, and Skylar Hall, a freshman outfielder who has quickly made a name for herself. Schaefer has been exceptional in the circle, with a strong strikeout-to-walk ratio and an ERA under 2.00. Her ability to get batters to swing and miss, combined with her command of the strike zone, has made her one of the toughest pitchers in the Sun Belt. If Schaefer can control Auburn’s powerful offense and keep the Tigers off balance, Troy could have a chance to pull off an upset.

On the offensive side of the game, Skylar Hall has been a revelation for the Trojans. Despite being a freshman, Hall has been consistent in the batter’s box, boasting a batting average above .350 and providing a spark at the top of the lineup. Hall’s ability to get on base and put pressure on opposing defenses will be key if Troy hopes to disrupt Auburn’s pitching. She has shown maturity beyond her years, and her ability to take quality at-bats against strong pitchers like Auburn’s Makayla Martin will be critical for the Trojans.

Troy’s overall offensive game has been defined by speed and small ball. The Trojans have excelled at moving runners around the bases with timely hits, stolen bases, and strategic bunts. Against a team like Auburn, which can strike quickly with power, Troy’s ability to play small ball and manufacture runs will be essential.

Troy’s Strategy: Control the Game with Defense and Pitching

For Troy, the key to pulling off an upset will be executing a solid pitching performance and managing Auburn’s high-powered offense. The Trojans will need to limit their mistakes and stay sharp in the field. If they can limit the number of free passes given to Auburn batters, especially with powerful hitters like Jenna Lord and Carlee Wallace in the lineup, they will have a better chance at keeping the game close and setting up opportunities to score runs.

Additionally, Troy’s defense will need to be flawless. With a team like Auburn, which can capitalize on any defensive lapses, Troy cannot afford to give extra outs or allow any unearned runs to cross the plate. The Trojans will need to play disciplined, clean defense to keep Auburn’s offensive firepower in check.

Troy will also need to control the tempo of the game. By playing small ball and putting pressure on Auburn’s pitchers with smart baserunning, they can force the Tigers to make mistakes and potentially create scoring opportunities. Troy will need to stay aggressive while also being mindful of the potential for big innings from Auburn.

What to Watch For

There are several key factors to keep an eye on during this midweek matchup between Auburn and Troy:

1. Pitching Duels: Auburn’s Makayla Martin and Troy’s Payton Schaefer are both key players in the circle, and whichever team can control the game from the mound will likely come out on top. Look for how these two pitchers handle pressure situations, especially with runners on base and high-leverage innings.
2. Offensive Firepower: Auburn has a potent lineup with several players who can change the game with one swing. Troy, however, has been able to hang tough in close games with strong fundamentals and aggressive baserunning. Can Troy’s offense find ways to manufacture runs and get on the scoreboard against Auburn’s strong pitching?
3. Defensive Execution: Both teams will need to play strong defense to win this game. Auburn’s defense is traditionally solid, but Troy has shown that they can be scrappy and difficult to break down. Mistakes could be costly in a close game, so defensive execution will be crucial for both teams.
4. Baserunning and Speed: Troy’s ability to generate offense through baserunning and small ball will be tested against Auburn’s strong defense. Auburn’s speed on the base paths could also be a factor, as they look to put pressure on Troy’s pitchers and catchers.

A Game with High Stakes for Both Teams

For Auburn, a win over Troy is crucial for maintaining momentum and keeping their ranking intact as they continue their march through the season. For Troy, this is a golden opportunity to pull off an upset and make a statement against a ranked team from the SEC. The Trojans have nothing to lose and will be looking to give the Tigers all they can handle in this midweek showdown.

Ultimately, Auburn’s experience, depth, and overall talent make them the favorites heading into the game, but Troy is not a team to be overlooked. If the Trojans can execute their game plan, limit mistakes, and take advantage of any opportunities that come their way, they may just have a shot at pulling off a thrilling upset. This matchup between Auburn and Troy is sure to be an exciting contest, and one that fans of both teams won’t want to miss.