Tennessee softball started its weekend with a win, defeating Auburn, 5-1.

The No. 4 Lady Vols (27-4, 7-0 SEC) won the series opener over the Tigers (15-10-1, 2-8), extending their winning streak to 19 games. Tennessee also won its 11th road game, continuing its perfect road record this season.

The Lady Vols used their offense effectively, hitting three home runs. Sophia Nugent led the way with two homers in the game.

Tennessee’s offense started slow in the first inning, only putting one player on base against Auburn ace Maddie Penta. Karlyn Pickens got the start for the Lady Vols and also allowed one player on.

Nugent opened the scoring for Tennessee in the second inning with a two-run home run, also driving in Taylor Pannell. Giulia Koutsoyanopulos also reached in the inning but could not be driven in.

Auburn cut into the lead in the third inning, as Pickens hit a batter with the bases loaded, bringing in a run. The third inning was the last for Pickens, as Payton Gottshall entered in relief.

Gottshall allowed three hits in her four innings of work, striking out three batters and not conceding a walk.

The Lady Vols extended their lead in the sixth inning. Rylie West opened the inning with a home run. Later in the inning, Nugent hit her second home run of the game, putting the Lady Vols up, 4-1.

Zaida Puni drove in Laura Mealer in the seventh inning on a single through the infield, working against Auburn relief pitcher Annabelle Widra. After the single, the Lady Vols did not put another runner on.

Gottshall allowed two runners to reach in the bottom of the seventh inning, with one reaching on an error and another hitting a single. She finished off the inning by forcing a flyout and striking Makayla Packer out looking.

The Lady Vols will look to clinch the series on Saturday, with first pitch scheduled for 5 p.m. ET.