Branndi Melero, a 2011 Golden Valley High School alumna, helped the Auburn Tigers softball team win the SEC Softball Championship for the first time in the school’s history Saturday.

Over the weekend, Melero helped the Tigers bring in two runs in the seventh inning that set up a game-winning hit in the ninth from Carlee Wallace, leading the team past Tennessee 6-5 for the title.

“Branndi was a tremendous worker with tremendous talent. It is not surprising how well she is doing,” said Robert Fisher, Golden Valley’s Athletic Director. “Golden Valley is very proud of her accomplishments and is happy to showcase her success.”

Melero is hitting .317 with seven homers and a 57 RBI this season. She graduated from the University of Auburn with a degree in public administration.

As a result, the team is now qualified for the NCAA Regional playoffs which begin Friday, May 15.

“You can see the enthusiasm, the heart and the drive in these girls,” said Auburn coach Clint Myers in a news release. “I challenged them… and said, ‘If you want something, you’re going to have to fight for it. You have to chase your fears and get after it.’ These kids did a great job all the way through the lineup. I’m just really proud of them.”

Auburn will be hosting the first-round regional, and a Super Regional, as well, should the team advance.

This was the fourth time in SEC history that the softball championship game was decided in extra innings. The Tigers improved to 49-9 and the Vols fell to 42-14 on the season.