UAB splits the midweek doubleheader against Auburn softball.

It was a tale of two games in Birmingham as the UAB Blazers and Auburn Tigers squared off in a highly anticipated midweek softball doubleheader. The two-game series, played in front of an energized crowd at Mary Bowers Field, featured momentum swings, clutch performances, and a fierce in-state rivalry that delivered drama until the final out.

UAB and Auburn each walked away with a win—UAB earning a gritty 4-3 victory in the opener, while Auburn responded with a dominant 8-2 showing in the nightcap. For both programs, the doubleheader provided a test of resilience, depth, and strategy during the heart of conference play.

Game One: UAB 4, Auburn 3 – A Statement Win at Home

UAB entered the opener with a chip on its shoulder. Facing an SEC opponent in Auburn, the Blazers had a golden opportunity to showcase their progress under head coach A.J. Daugherty, and they seized it.

Behind a strong pitching performance from senior right-hander Lyndie Dellinger, UAB kept Auburn’s powerful lineup mostly in check. Dellinger scattered six hits and allowed three earned runs over six innings, working around trouble with poise. She struck out four and, most importantly, kept the ball in the park against a Tigers team known for its power.

UAB jumped on Auburn early. In the bottom of the second, sophomore catcher Bailey Bevis sparked the Blazers with a leadoff double to left-center. Two batters later, designated player Kaylee White drove her home with a sharp single through the right side, giving UAB a 1-0 lead. The Blazers added two more in the third when junior shortstop Skylar Davis launched a two-run triple off the base of the right-field wall, electrifying the home dugout.

Auburn clawed back in the fifth, using a two-run homer from freshman sensation Kate Cooper to cut the deficit to 3-2. But UAB answered right back in the bottom half. After two quick outs, the Blazers loaded the bases and drew a walk to extend the lead to 4-2. That insurance run would prove to be the difference.

In the top of the seventh, Auburn mounted a rally. A leadoff walk and a single brought the go-ahead run to the plate. UAB turned to reliever Emma Cline, who coolly induced a groundout and a flyout to seal the victory.

“We’ve been building toward a game like this,” said Coach Daugherty. “We knew we could compete at this level. Our girls showed heart, toughness, and execution in key moments.”

Game Two: Auburn 8, UAB 2 – Tigers Roar Back with Authority

If game one was about UAB’s grit and discipline, game two was about Auburn’s firepower and frustration boiling over into a resounding response.

Auburn wasted little time imposing its will. In the top of the first, senior outfielder Lindsey Garcia drew a walk, and junior first baseman Bri Ellis followed with a no-doubt two-run homer to dead center. The blast—her 12th of the season—set the tone for an Auburn team determined not to leave Birmingham with a pair of losses.

UAB’s freshman starter Ella Hines struggled to find her command. Auburn took advantage, scoring three more in the third thanks to a two-run double by freshman infielder Elise Roper and an RBI single from third baseman Carlee McCondichie.

The Tigers added two more in the fifth with a towering solo shot from Garcia and a sacrifice fly by designated player Annabelle Widra, who also played a key role in the circle.

Widra, Auburn’s ace, came on in relief in the second inning and pitched four scoreless innings, striking out six and allowing just two hits. Her dominance neutralized UAB’s hitters and preserved Auburn’s growing lead.

“I wanted to give my team a chance to bounce back,” said Widra. “We were disappointed with how the first game ended, but good teams respond. We stayed focused and executed the way we know how.”

UAB managed a brief rally in the bottom of the sixth, scoring twice on a single by Davis and a sacrifice fly from Bevis, but the gap was too wide to close.

Key Takeaways: UAB Continues Its Rise, Auburn Gains Confidence

For UAB, the win in game one marked a significant milestone. The Blazers improved to 22-16 overall and continue to build their résumé ahead of the Conference USA tournament. They’ve now beaten two SEC programs this season, having previously knocked off Ole Miss earlier in the year.

Their ability to compete with a program like Auburn signals growth in all phases—from pitching depth to offensive consistency.

Dellinger’s effort in game one stands out as one of her best in a UAB uniform. The veteran pitcher showed composure and leadership, drawing praise from teammates and coaches alike.

“She’s our rock,” said Skylar Davis. “When she’s out there, we feel like we can beat anybody.”

For Auburn, the loss in game one was a wake-up call. Now 28-12 on the season, the Tigers are still fighting to climb in the SEC standings and improve their postseason seeding. They’ve struggled at times with consistency, especially at the plate, but game two showed what they’re capable of when they’re locked in.

Ellis and Garcia continue to be one of the most dangerous power duos in the SEC, combining for 25 home runs on the season. Widra’s ability to pitch in high-leverage moments also remains a major asset for head coach Mickey Dean.

“We know what’s ahead of us,” said Dean. “These games are about preparation. We’re using every opportunity to refine, adjust, and make sure we’re peaking at the right time.”

Regional Implications and What’s Next

With the NCAA tournament slowly approaching, every non-conference matchup holds weight—especially for programs like UAB looking for at-large bid consideration. The win over Auburn helps the Blazers’ RPI and gives them a valuable feather in their cap.

“We talked about it all week,” said Coach Daugherty. “These are the games that committee members look at. We showed we belong in that conversation.”

UAB will now shift focus back to C-USA play, with a crucial three-game series against Western Kentucky looming this weekend. The Blazers currently sit in third place in the conference standings and are positioning themselves for a potential top seed in the league tournament.

Auburn, meanwhile, returns to SEC action against Mississippi State. The Tigers are chasing consistency but have the firepower and experience to make a postseason run—provided they clean up mental errors and capitalize with runners in scoring position.

Notable Performances

– **Lyndie Dellinger (UAB):** 6 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 4 K – Game one winning pitcher.
– **Skylar Davis (UAB):** 3-for-6 across both games, 2B, 3B, 3 RBI.
– **Bri Ellis (Auburn):** 3-for-6, HR, 3 RBI.
– **Lindsey Garcia (Auburn):** HR, 2 R, 2 BB, stellar defense in LF.
– **Annabelle Widra (Auburn):** 4 IP, 0 ER, 6 K in game two, added 1 RBI.

The split result reflected the competitiveness of the series and underscored the level of parity developing across NCAA softball. UAB, once seen as a mid-major underdog, continues to rise and command respect, while Auburn’s depth and pedigree were on full display in their bounce-back win.

“We’re proud of the fight we showed,” said Davis. “There’s still work to do, but games like these prove that we’re building something special.”

Meanwhile, Auburn leaves Birmingham with mixed emotions—frustrated by the loss, but encouraged by the offensive surge and confident in their ability to respond to adversity. With both teams heading into pivotal stretches, this doubleheader could prove to be a defining moment in their seasons.