2026 Big West Softball Schedule | Standings | Stats | Week 4 (Feb. 25) Notes (.pdf)
What 2 Watch 4
- Cal State Fullerton (6-9) will host the Judi Garman Classic Feb. 26-March 1, where the Titans will face BYU, Oregon State, Cal, Seattle U, and LMU after an impressive upset of No. 16 Oregon in California. UC San Diego (10-6) hits the Libby Matson Tournament Feb. 27–28 in Stockton with two games each against Pacific and Fresno State, looking to rebound from a tough Mary Nutter finish, while Hawai'i (5-9) stays home for the Outrigger Classic Feb. 26–28 versus Mercyhurst and Portland State. UC Davis (9-5) returns from the Lyman Classic to host the Capital Classic late week with Nevada, Santa Clara, San Jose State, and Sacred Heart, and UC Santa Barbara (2-10) will bring momentum home for a multi-game set against LIU and Iowa after sweeping San Diego and Montana.
This week's highlighted slates finish with the Mustangs' Manhattan doubleheader, Fullerton's multi-team weekend at the Judi Garman Classic, the Tritons' Libby Matson slate, and the Rainbow Wahine and Aggies hosting their respective classics as the league builds toward conference play.
A total of 24 contests will air live on ESPN+ throughout the weekend. Check our softball schedules online to keep up with all of the action across our Big West teams.
2026 Big West Softball Schedule
Around the Dugouts
Cal Poly (3-9) - Cal Poly found its rhythm at the Mustang Classic, highlighted by freshman first baseman Myleigh Cooper launching the first home run of her collegiate career and sophomore righthander Bree Brennan securing a complete-game victory in an 8-2 win over Manhattan. Junior center fielder A'Niyla Byrd and senior designated player Mylina Garza powered a six-run fourth inning in a 10-4 victory over San Jose State, while freshman righthander Kaylee Davis earned the first win of her career in a 5-4 triumph against Santa Clara. Cooper, Byrd, and sophomore right fielder Maddy Bermudez have sparked an offense that produced a season-high 13 hits in one outing, showing the Mustangs' growth at the plate. Cal Poly closes its nine-game home stand Wednesday with a doubleheader against Manhattan before heading into tournament play next week.
Cal State Bakersfield (2-13) - The Roadrunners continue to build chemistry with a roster featuring nine returners and 14 newcomers as the Roadrunners push through their final week of nonconference action. Veterans Marianna Narvaiz, Hannah Garcia, Alexia Castro and Faith Steffany anchor the lineup, while freshmen Kayla Whaley and Kandi Malama-Ahlo, along with junior transfer Kayla Visser, have provided an early offensive spark. The Roadrunners remain focused on gaining momentum in the desert before opening a challenging Big West slate next week.
Cal State Fullerton (6-9) - Cal State Fullerton delivered one of the weekend's signature moments, defeating No. 16 Oregon 7-3 at the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic after also earning an 8-5 win over Rutgers. Alexia Lopez jumpstarted the Titans' offense with a four-RBI performance against Rutgers and continued the surge versus Oregon, while Colby McClinton added key production in the middle of the order. In the circle, Eva Hurtado tossed four scoreless innings against the Ducks and Trisha McCleskey closed the door, holding Oregon to one hit over the final three frames. The Titans now return home to host the Judi Garman Classic, facing BYU, Oregon State, Cal, Seattle U, and LMU to wrap up nonconference play.
CSUN (3-9) - CSUN closed the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic on a high note with a 4-3 victory over Oregon State. Isabella Hiner drove in two runs while Madison Okano and Amber Rivas added RBI as the Matadors delivered timely offense and struck out just once at the plate. In the circle, Malia Williams earned the win with five steady innings, and Kaitlyn Tso locked down the save, while Okano continues to pace the lineup with 13 hits on the year. CSUN looks to carry that momentum into its upcoming nonconference matchups next week.
Hawai'i (5-9) - UH wrapped up competition at the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic and now turns its focus toward bouncing back on its home field. The Rainbow Wahine will look to reset offensively and regain early-season form as they prepare to host the Outrigger Classic against Mercyhurst and Portland State next week in Honolulu.
Long Beach State (9-6)- LBSU continues to make noise nationally after stunning No. 4 Oklahoma at the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic behind a three-run blast from Lina Apodaca and strong pitching from Lindsey Cowans and Audrey Lopetegui. Nina Sepulveda has been electric, earning Big West Freshman of the Week honors again after hitting .429 in Cathedral City, while junior designated player Malayna Terrones is batting .432 and was named the conference's first Field Player of the Week. Under first-year head coach Kendall Fearn, The Beach owns a .306 team average with five regulars hitting above .300. Long Beach State looks to keep rolling in tournament action next week.
UC Davis (9-5) - UCD showcased resilience at the Lyman Classic, erupting for six runs in the sixth inning to defeat Weber State behind a complete game from senior pitcher Caroline Grimes. Alyssa Dethlefson powered the Aggies with two home runs in a 9-0 win over Utah Tech, while Ashley Sawai delivered a complete-game shutout to cap the weekend. Contributions from Kiera Brady and Kayla Macias added to an offense that continues to find timely production. UC Davis returns home to host the Capital Classic against Nevada, Santa Clara, San Jose State, and Sacred Heart next week.
UC Riverside (1-8) - UCR battled in a tight pitcher's duel against Utah, highlighted by a strong 5.1-inning effort from Lauren Mendez, who allowed just two hits and no runs in the circle. Aubrey Marx, Trendee Kahunahana, and Gabriella Garcia generated scoring chances as the Highlanders continued to compete inning by inning. UC Riverside heads back on the road next week for matchups against Arizona State, Eastern Illinois, and UNLV.
UC San Diego (10-6) - UC San Diego (10-6) showed offensive firepower in Cathedral City, blasting two home runs in a narrow 7-6 battle with Seattle U. Shortstop Marley Espiau continues to anchor the lineup with 10 extra-base hits and 21 RBI, leading a Triton squad that has produced three multi-home run games this season. UC San Diego now heads north for the Libby Matson Tournament in Stockton, where it will face Pacific and Fresno State twice apiece beginning Friday.
UC Santa Barbara (4-13) - UC Santa Barbara (2-10) erupted at the Purple Classic, sweeping San Diego and Montana while piling up 23 hits and 10 extra-base knocks across two games. Sophia Clark spun a two-hit shutout in a 7-0 victory over San Diego, while Tehya Banks and Jazzy Santos powered the offense with home runs in both contests. Ainsley Waddell added key RBI in each win as the Gauchos outscored their opponents 16-4 on the day. UC Santa Barbara returns to Campus Diamond next week to host LIU and Iowa State in a four-day series.
Weekly Recognition
UC Davis senior infielder Alyssa Dethlefson powered the Aggies to a 3-1 weekend at Utah Tech to earn The Big West Field Player of the Week award, presented by Rawlings. This is the second weekly distinction of Dethlefson's career after earning the Freshman honor last year on March 17, 2025. Dethlefson dominated from the leadoff spot, batting .533 with four home runs, five stolen bases, eight runs scored, and a 1.667 slugging percentage across four games, while not striking out in 18 plate appearances. The senior opened the weekend going 2-for-7 with a home run, four RBI, and two stolen bases over the first two contests, then followed with a 3-for-3 performance featuring a home run, two stolen bases, and two runs scored in a 5-2 win over Weber State. Dethlefson capped the series with a 2-for-5 outing that included two home runs, four RBI, three runs scored, and a stolen base in a 9-0 victory over Utah Tech.
Cal State Fullerton senior pitcher Trisha McCleskey made four appearances with two starts in the circle to claim The Big West Pitcher of the Week honor, presented by Rawlings. This is the third weekly distinction of the pitcher's career, after earning the honor twice last year on April 7 and 28. McCleskey tossed two complete games and worked 17.2 innings on the weekend, striking out 14 batters. The senior recorded three strikeouts against both No. 4 Oklahoma and No. 14 Oregon, highlighting a strong showing against nationally ranked competition.
?Long Beach State freshman infielder Nina Sepulveda led the Beach at the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic to secure the Big West Freshman of the Week award, presented by Rawlings. This is the second weekly distinction of the freshman's career after earning the distinction last week, Feb. 16, 2026. Sepulveda hit .429 across five starts, reaching base safely in four of five games during the tournament. The freshman delivered a key hit in a four-run sixth inning against No. 4 Oklahoma in a 6-4 win and added a home run in a 2-for-3 performance against Bethune-Cookman to help power another Beach victory.
Preseason Pognostics
Defending Big West Softball Champion UC Santa Barbara was narrowly selected as the preseason favorite in the 2026 Big West Softball Preseason Coaches Poll, as voted on by the league's 10 head coaches.
The Gauchos earned 78 points and six first-place votes to claim the top spot after winning the inaugural Big West Softball Championship last season. Cal State Fullerton, the defending regular-season champion, finished second with 75 points and four first-place votes, while Long Beach State placed third with 65 points.
Hawai'i and UC San Diego tied for fourth with 50 points apiece, followed by UC Davis in sixth with 38 points. CSUN (36), Cal Poly (27), UC Riverside (22), and Cal State Bakersfield (9) rounded out the 2026 preseason poll.
The league's head coaches also selected an 11-member Preseason All-Big West Team. Cal State Fullerton led all programs with five selections, followed by UC Santa Barbara with three. UC Davis, UC Riverside, and UC San Diego were each represented by one student-athlete.
Ava Arce headlines the Titans' preseason selections after leading the conference with a .405 batting average in 2025, while also pacing the league in hits (68), home runs (12), and RBI (63). The 2025 Big West Field Player of the Year posted a .690 slugging percentage. Alexia Lopez hit .349 with 52 hits and 29 RBI, while Nataly Lozano, the 2025 Big West Freshman of the Year, batted .389 with 65 hits, including 10 doubles and seven home runs. Colby McClinton returns after posting 50 hits, 37 runs, a .457 on-base percentage, and 14 stolen bases.
In the circle, Trisha McCleskey recorded a 16–9 record with a 3.44 ERA and 119 strikeouts over 166.2 innings pitched. She threw nine complete games and earned three saves while ranking among league leaders in wins and innings pitched. All five Titans named to the preseason team earned First Team All-Big West honors in 2025.
UC Santa Barbara's preseason selections include Bella Fuentes, Giselle Mejia, and Malaya Johnson, all First Team All-Big West honorees a season ago. Fuentes set a program single-season record with 62 RBI while leading the Gauchos in home runs (11) and slugging percentage (.559). Mejia tied the team lead with 62 hits and paced UCSB with 20 doubles. Johnson earned 2025 Big West Pitcher of the Year honors after striking out 123 batters with a 3.03 ERA, leading the league in wins (24) and innings pitched (221.2). She was also named Big West Softball Championship MVP.
The remainder of the preseason team includes Ashley Sawai of UC Davis, Maalia Cherry of UC San Diego, and UC Riverside's Rebeca Cabezas. Sawai struck out 96 batters over 148.2 innings in 2025 and has earned back-to-back selections on the preseason team. Cherry totaled 41 hits, 13 home runs, and 37 RBI during a phenomenal freshman campaign that featured D1 Softball National Freshman of the Week recognition on Feb. 18, 2025. Cabezas hit .350 with 50 hits and earned All-Big West Honorable Mention honors.
The top six teams in the regular-season standings will advance to the 2026 Big West Softball Championship, with the tournament champion earning the conference's automatic berth to the NCAA Division I Softball Championship. The four-day, double-elimination format returns for its second year, with the top two seeds receiving first-round byes.
The Championship will be held May 6–9 at Anderson Family Field in Fullerton, Calif, on the campus of Cal State Fullerton for the second straight season. Our 2026 Big West softball season begins Thursday, Feb. 6.
D1 Softball Preseason Mid-Major Rankings
The Big West was well represented in D1Softball's 2026 Preseason Mid-Major D100 Player Rankings, with five student-athletes earning recognition while two programs landed inside the national team poll. Cal State Fullerton checked in at No. 11 in the preseason team rankings behind veterans Ava Arce (No. 24) and Trisha McCleskey (No. 61), while UC Santa Barbara was ranked No. 15 with seniors Malaya Johnson (No. 21) and Bella Fuentes (No. 84) highlighted among the nation's top mid-major talent.
Arce and McCleskey headline the Titans after standout 2025 campaigns, with Arce coming off a record-breaking season that included Big West Field Player of the Year honors and McCleskey anchoring the pitching staff with a team-low 2.27 ERA in conference play. UC Santa Barbara's Johnson, the reigning Big West Pitcher of the Year, climbed 23 spots from last year's rankings after logging 223.1 innings, while Fuentes powered the Gaucho offense by setting the program's single-season RBI record.
Rounding out the list is Maalia Cherry (No. 91), now at UC San Diego after a breakout freshman season at Cal State Bakersfield that saw her lead The Big West in OPS and rank second in home runs. Collectively, the preseason honors underscore the depth of talent returning to the conference as Big West programs prepare for another nationally competitive season.
D1 Softball Preseason Mid-Major Top 100
No. 91 Maalia Cherry, Cal State Bakersfield
No. 84 Bella Fuentes, UC Santa Barbara
No. 61 Trisha McCleskey, Cal State Fullerton
No. 24 Ava Arce, Cal State Fullerton
No. 21 Malaya Johnson, UC Santa Barbara
New Faces Around the Dugout
CSUN named Jodie Cox interim head coach after her return to the Matador staff in 2025, making her the eighth coach in program history. A former CSUN assistant from 2005–07, Cox brings a wide-ranging résumé across Division I, Division III and high school levels, including experience during a stretch that produced 61 wins and an NCAA Regional berth. As pitching coach last season, she helped guide CSUN to a 3.61 staff ERA, 180 strikeouts, and a runner-up finish at the Big West Championship.
Panita Thanatharn was selected as the fourth head coach in Hawai'i softball history, succeeding longtime leader Bob Coolen following his retirement after 34 seasons. Thanatharn arrives after 16 seasons at Long Beach State, where she served as associate head coach, primary recruiter, and hitting coach while overseeing administrative and conditioning duties. Under her guidance, the Beach produced the 10 highest batting averages in program history, multiple national top-20 marks, and several single-season offensive records.
Kendall Fearn takes over as head coach at Long Beach State following the retirement of Kim Sowder after 19 seasons. Fearn played a key role in San Diego State's national rise as lead assistant, directing recruiting and defense during three straight NCAA Tournament appearances. The skipper's tenure included a 2023 Super Regional run and three consecutive Mountain West Tournament titles with the Aztecs.
Inaugural Championship Rewind
Last season, the inaugural Big West Softball Championship featured the conference's top six teams in a four-day, double-elimination format, with the winner earning the league's automatic berth to the NCAA Championship. No. 3 seed UC Santa Barbara captured the first-ever title with a 7–5 win over No. 2 CSUN in the decisive final game, clinching its first NCAA postseason appearance since 2007. Malaya Johnson was named Championship MVP after leading the Gauchos in the circle.
2025 Big West Softball All-Tournament Team
Isabella Alonso, CSUN
India Caldwell, UC San Diego
Lauryn Carranco, CSUN
Lily Hermosillo, UC San Diego
Malaya Johnson, UC Santa Barbara
Jerzie Liana, CSUN
Delaina Ma'ae, UC Santa Barbara
Izabella Martinez, Hawai'i
Giselle Mejia, UC Santa Barbara
Carly Robbins, Long Beach State
Gizella Sandoval Vargas, CSUN
Jazzy Santos, UC Santa Barbara
Liliana Thomas, Hawai'i
The Big West Championship History
After finishing top three in the four previous trips to the Women's College World Series, Cal State Fullerton brought home its first NCAA Championship, finishing 57-9-1 for the season in 1986. Pitching carried the Titans throughout the entire season, sporting a team ERA of 0.28 in 500 innings of work. Susan LeFebvre, the ace of the staff, went 31-6, throwing 284.2 innings, only allowing 11 earned runs all season and breaking the 200-strikeout mark with 208. Connie Clark was just as good, going 20-2, only allowing 5 runs in 155.1 innings. Opponents only hit .086 against the pitcher. In the postseason, the Titans went a perfect 5-0 in the WCWS, only allowing one run. During the five games, CSF brought home the championship, defeating Texas A&M by a score of 3-0. Clark started in the circle and threw a one-hit shutout with eight strikeouts while JoAnn Ferrieri knocked in the game-winning run. Judi Garman earned the coaches' 350th win in a 3-1 victory over Long Beach State 3-1 on May 10, 1986.
1986 season under Head Coach Judi Garman
Overall Record: 57-9-1 (.858)
Conference Record: 22-5-1 (.804)
Home: 30-4
Away: 16-3-1
Neutral: 11-2
Postseason Record: 7-0
National Finish: 1st (NCAA)
Overall, the conference has appeared in the Women's College World Series nine times, most recently in 1995.
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