ST. PETERSBURG — Eckerd softball opens its 2026 season Saturday, Jan. 31, hosting No. 25 Oklahoma Christian at the Turley Athletic Complex.
The Tritons are coming off a 30-20 campaign in 2025, the second-most wins in program history. Under first-year head coach Michelle Frew, Eckerd set six single-season records, including conference wins, while Hannah Taylor established new marks in hits and RBI. Lex Difato set program records for runs and singles, and Brandilyn Reymer broke the school strikeout record.
All three return in 2026, led by Taylor, the 2025 Sunshine State Conference Player of the Year. Taylor also earned Second Team All-America honors from both the D2CCA and NFCA.
Eckerd welcomes back two additional All-SSC selections in Gracie Ciccarello and Difato. Ciccarello hit .304 last season and earned a spot on the SSC All-Defensive Team, while Difato posted a .376 batting average and led the Tritons with 42 stolen bases in 46 attempts. Reymer anchors the pitching staff after recording 203 strikeouts in 164.2 innings with a 2.34 ERA in 2025.
The Tritons went 19-8 at home last season, the second-best home record in program history, and were picked fifth in the SSC Preseason Coaches Poll.
Oklahoma Christian enters the season after going 38-21 in 2025 and earning an NCAA Tournament berth before falling to eventual national champion UT Tyler. The Eagles posted a 22-6 mark at home but went 11-11 on the road. Oklahoma Christian opens the season Friday against No. 2 Tampa before facing Eckerd on Saturday.
Saturday's contest marks the first-ever meeting between the two program. Live video and stat links can be found on eckerdtritons.com.
