Mississippi College Softball Opens 2026 Season in Star-Studded Texas Field

Mississippi College softball kicks off its 2026 season this weekend in Conroe, Texas, facing a competitive field including nationally ranked programs. The Choctaws open play Friday with games against Texas A&M International and St. Mary’s University (Texas), followed by matchups against Angelo State and top-ranked UT Tyler over the weekend.

Last season, Mississippi College finished with a 36-19 record and advanced to the NCAA Regional for the third straight year. The team returns much of its core, including senior Madelyn England, who earned multiple All-GSC and regional honors in 2025. England hit .353 with 15 doubles, eight home runs, and 36 RBIs last season.

Freshman standout Blakely Gill also returns after a decorated debut, earning First Team All-GSC and NFCA All-Region honors. Gill started all 55 games and posted a .395 batting average with 70 hits, 18 doubles, and five home runs. Senior Shelby Samples continues to lead at the top of the order, batting .407 with 72 hits and 19 stolen bases in 2025.

On the mound, senior Camryn Bailey anchors the pitching staff. Bailey, a four-year starter, posted a 14-7 record with a 2.19 ERA over 128 innings last season. She struck out 134 batters and held opponents to a .217 batting average.

Mississippi College was ranked third in the Gulf South Conference preseason poll and placed four players on the Preseason All-GSC team, including Gill, Samples, England, and Bailey. The opening weekend features tough opponents, including No. 1 UT Tyler, which went 62-5 last season and claimed back-to-back national titles.

The team’s schedule includes GSC play beginning Feb. 20, with the GSC Softball Championship set for May 6-9 at Choccolocco Park in Oxford, Alabama. Fans can watch all home and conference games via FloCollege and FloSports.

Source: Original Article