GULF SHORES, Ala. — The Delta State University softball team opened its 2026 season with a tripleheader at the Gulf Shores Invitational on Friday. The Lady Statesmen went 0-3, falling to Middle Georgia State, Florida Tech, and Northeastern State.
In the first game, Middle Georgia State defeated Delta State 11-3. The Lady Statesmen started strong, taking a 3-0 lead after Kyleigh Wheaton hit a two-run home run in the first inning. Alyssa Wilson added an RBI sacrifice fly in the second. However, Middle Georgia responded with a four-run third inning and pulled away in the sixth, capitalizing on late errors.
Wheaton led the team offensively, going 1-for-3 with a home run and two RBIs. Pitcher G. Pippin pitched 2.1 innings, allowing four hits and three earned runs.
In the second game, Delta State lost to Florida Tech 8-3. The Lady Statesmen kept the game close early, trailing 2-1 through three innings. The team’s offense picked up in the fifth, with Kendall Harper and Callie McConnell each delivering RBI singles. Ally Agner went 2-for-3 at the plate. Despite their efforts, Florida Tech scored in each of the final three innings to secure the win.
Agner led the team offensively with two hits, while Harper added an RBI. G. Pippin pitched 4.1 innings, striking out three.
The nightcap saw Northeastern State blank Delta State 8-0. Grace Pippin threw four innings, striking out three and allowing two runs. Joryie McKnight provided a bright spot with a double, and Wheaton and Harper contributed hits. Northeastern State pulled away in the fifth and sixth innings to end the game early.
The Lady Statesmen are scheduled to play a doubleheader Sunday at Gulf Shores, facing Saint Leo University at 10 a.m. and North Georgia afterward. Live updates are available on @DeltaStateSB and the Delta State Athletics website, gostatesmen.com.
