The Troy Trojans took the Auburn Tigers to extra innings Tuesday night in Troy’s home opener, but Auburn’s Myesha Finney hit a home run in the top of the ninth to center field that put the Tigers (11-1) ahead of the Trojans (7-3) for good.

“We spotted some things that we need to continue to work on,” Trojans head coach Melanie Davis said. “That was a tough loss, and now we’ve had three one-run losses already this early in the season. We’ve got to find a way to come from behind and finish the job in one-run ball games.”

Davis is confident that the team can find a way to win tight games.

“I think this group will do that,” Davis said. “They’re a good group of kids, and they work really hard.”

Auburn struck first in the game with two runs in the top of the first inning.

Troy got things rolling when Hillary Hughes doubled in the lead off spot. Heidi Johnson sent Hughes home on a single, and the Trojans trailed by just one run.

“When we gave up the two unearned runs in the top of the first inning I think we could have folded very easily,” Davis said. “We responded and bounced back.”

The Trojans tied things up in the bottom of the third when Hughes scored on a wild pitch. Hughes 2-for-4 on the night at bat. Johnson led the Trojans at the plate going 3-for-4.

Davis with the effort on the mound.

“Ashlyn Williams threw a beautiful game,” she said. “She only gave up one earned run on the night, and she posted numerous strikeouts.”

Williams had 13 strikeouts in the game, and she pitched all nine innings of the game. Williams gave up seven hits in the game, but managed to work out of many base runner situations.

The Trojans load the buses again this weekend for another road trip as they’ll participate in the South Carolina Invitational at the University of South Carolina.

The Trojans next home action is the Trojan Softball Classic on Feb. 27.