May 15, 2008

Auburn, Ala. - The Auburn softball team opens play at the NCAA College Station (Texas) Regional Friday with a 3:30 p.m. game against the Louisiana Tech Lady Techsters.

The game can be heard locally in Auburn on WZMG AM 910 and on the internet at www.auburntigers.com. Live stats can be accessed on the web at www.aggieathletics.com.

Auburn is the second seed in the College Station Regional. The Tigers are 37-20 overall and finished sixth in the Southeastern Conference with a 13-14 record.

Louisiana Tech is the third seed in the regional after winning the Western Athletic Conference Tournament. Louisiana Tech knocked off four ranked teams to win the WAC Tournament title. The Lady Techsters finished the regular season with a 35-27 record.

"We are excited about being the first game and looking forward to the challenge of playing a good Louisiana Tech team," Auburn head coach Tina Deese said. "Louisiana Tech is playing very well and this is going to be a tremendous challenge for our team. We are going to have to be at our best against them."

The Tigers are making their fifth appearance in NCAA postseason play. Auburn is 3-8 all-time in NCAA Regional games. Auburn last earned an NCAA Regional bid in 2006. Auburn is 3-0 all-time against Louisiana Tech, with all three wins coming in 2000.

In the regional's other matchup, top seed and host Texas A&M takes on fourth seed Stephen F. Austin at 6:30 p.m. Texas A&M is 49-7 overall and won the Big 12 Conference championship. Stephen F. Austin earned an NCAA berth after winning the Southland Conference Tournament title. Stephen F. Austin finished the regular season at 36-23 overall.

Auburn is 2-2 all-time against Texas A&M, with the last meeting coming in 2001. The Tigers have never played Stephen F. Austin.

College Station Regional Bracket

Friday, May 16 Game 1 - No. 2 Auburn vs. No. 3 Louisiana Tech, 3:30 p.m. Game 2 - No. 1 Texas A&M vs. No. 4 Stephen F. Austin, 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 17 Game 3 - Game 1 Winner vs. Game 2 Winner Game 4 - Game 1 Loser vs. Game 2 Loser Game 5 - Game 4 Winner vs. Game 3 Loser

Sunday, May 18 Game 6 - Game 5 Winner vs. Game 3 Winner Game 7 - Game 6 Winner vs. Game 6 Loser (if necessary)