Softball | 1/30/2026 11:41:00 AM
Branson, Mo. -- For the second straight season, Minnesota Crookston softball will open up the year at the Branson Lead-Off Classic in Branson, Mo.
Minnesota Crookston will play four games in Missouri.
How to Follow
Minnesota Crookston vs Northwestern Oklahoma State
Branson, Mo.
Sunday, Feb. 1
11:30 A.M.
Minnesota Crookston vs Arkansas at Monticello
Branson, Mo.
Sunday, Feb. 1
1:30 P.M.
Minnesota Crookston vs Central Oklahoma
Branson, Mo.
Monday, Feb. 2
11 A.M.
Minnesota Crookston vs McKendree
Branson, Mo.
Monday, Feb. 2
1 P.M.
Minnesota Crookston (20-34 in 2025)
Minnesota Crookston softball will open up this season with fairly high expectations. After setting school records with 20 wins overall, eight NSIC wins and a school record five game conference winning streak, the Golden Eagles will look to have an even better season in 2026
Offensively, Minnesota Crookston brings back a number of key sophomores that made massive impacts as freshmen. Hannah Trzinski is the NSIC Player to Watch offensively for the Golden Eagles and should lead a solid offense. Chayse Doering and Madisen Yandle combined to make 97 starts as freshmen in 2025. Rayna French, Riley Blake and Irelyn Spencer all return as well and should make an impact in the middle of the lineup. Spencer set the school record with 10 RBI in a win last season against UMary.
In the circle, the maroon and gold will rely heavily on standout sophomore Delaney Penner. The Canadian started in 17 games a season ago, completing four of them and went 6-9 with a sub-2.50 ERA. Fellow sophomores Sydney McMurdie and Riley Blake could be looked upon to eat up some innings, as well.
Northwestern Oklahoma State University (14-36 in 2025)
The Golden Eagles will open the 2026 season against the Rangers in Branson, Missouri for the second year in a row. The Rangers enter 2026 in a rebuilding phase after losing 11 seniors and some key players. The Golden Eagles will be facing a whole new line-up compared to last year.
Northwestern Oklahoma State will be led offensively by senior catcher Kaitlyn Corn. Corn started in 48 games in 2025 and finished the season with a .307 batting average. She recorded 43 hits, 19 runs, 4 home runs, and 25 RBIs in 140 at-bats. Her experience and consistency at the plate will be important as the Rangers rely on a younger lineup this season.
In the circle, the Rangers will look to Katy Jones to lead the pitching staff once again. Jones finished the 2025 season with a 5–13 record and a 5.43 ERA, striking out 56 batters. Opponents hit .338 against her. Northwestern will look to establish stability in the circle early in the season.
University of Arkansas at Monticello (17-31 in 2025)
The Golden Eagles will look to face the University of Arkansas at Monticello next. The Blossoms enter the 2026 season returning a majority of their roster, with 18 returners and only losing 4 seniors. The Blossoms come into the 2026 season with experience across the lineup, Arkansas–Monticello will look to take a step forward this season.
Offensively, Arkansas–Monticello will be led by Aubree Goodnight, who appeared in 44 games during the 2025 season. Goodnight posted a .304 batting average while making 112 appearances at the plate. Goodnight collected 34 hits, scoring eight runs, and driving in 20 RBIs. Her steady presence at the plate will be a key part of the Blossoms' offense in 2026.
In the circle, the Blossoms will rely on Veteran Kayla Olthouse, who made 27 appearances in 2025. Olthouse finished the season with a 4–7 record, allowing 95 hits and 52 runs, while recording 29 strikeouts. She will be a key player on the pitching staff as the Blossoms look to continue developing in the circle.
University of Central Oklahoma (52–11 in 2025)
The Bronchos will be a tough opponent for the Golden Eagles as UCO enters the 2026 season coming off a dominant 52–11 season where they earned MIAA and Central Region championships. Oklahoma Baptist and will benefit from the return of 10 players from last year's championship roster.
Offensively, UCO will be led by senior All-American Rylee Lemos, who averaged 0.384 at the plate last season and contributed 78 hits, 71 runs, and 46 RBIs as well as hitting 11 home runs. Lemos provides the Bronchos' lineup with consistency and power at the plate. She will be supported by returning starters Kennedy Clark, Rylee Anglen, and Brooklyn Ryan, all of whom are expected to play key roles in the offensive production throughout the season.
In the circle, the Bronchos will rely on junior Shelby Beard, who has played a key role over the past two seasons. In 2025 Beard held her own in the circle, holding a 12-3 record with an ERA of 2.15 and recording 68 strikeouts. With contributions expected from experienced part-time starters and several sophomores who gained valuable playing time last season, the Bronchos enter 2026 with depth in the circle.
McKendree University (33–21 in 2025)
McKendree enters the 2026 season after a strong 33–21 year and returns a talented group with experience across the field. The Bearcats bring back four All-GLVC selections, giving them a solid foundation as they prepare for another competitive season.
Offensively, McKendree is led by senior Lauren Harris, a First Team All-GLVC selection and one of the top hitters in the conference. Harris hit .438 during the 2025 season, totaling 77 hits, 45 runs, and 44 RBIs. Her consistency at the plate will be a major part of the Bearcats' offense.
In the circle, McKendree will rely on Sami Huck and Ellie Vetter, both Second Team All-GLVC honorees. Huck finished with a 2.24 ERA, 15–11 record, and 251 strikeouts, while Vetter posted a 3.27 ERA, 15–5 record, and 97 strikeouts. Their experience gives the Bearcats a steady presence in the circle as the season approaches.
