The Wayne State University softball team opened its 2026 season with two victories at the Lincoln Memorial Invitational in Harrogate, Tennessee. The Warriors defeated the host Lincoln Memorial University 7-0 in their first game and then overcame Bluefield State 10-6 later in the day.
In the opening matchup, Wayne State scored twice in the first inning and added five runs in the second. Key contributions came from Hunter Near, Brooke Bunch, Elly Koopman, Sydney Long, Mia Hool, Kate DeWitt, and Molly Hool. Sydney Long pitched a complete game shutout for Wayne State, allowing only three hits while striking out five.
Elly Koopman led the offense with three hits and two runs batted in. Both Near and Bunch collected two hits each for Wayne State. For Lincoln Memorial University, three different players recorded singles.
Against Bluefield State in their second game, Wayne State came back after trailing early to take control by scoring three runs in the second inning and five more in the third. Near hit her first home run of the season and finished with three hits and three RBIs. Koopman reached base four times with two hits and two walks while driving in three runs. Ella Vinco contributed two RBIs.
Koopman also pitched a complete game against Bluefield State, giving up six runs (four earned) on ten hits with six strikeouts.
Jackie Sandy led Bluefield State by reaching base four times on two hits and two walks.
Wayne State will finish its participation at the Lincoln Memorial Invitational on Sunday with games against Tiffin University at 10 AM and another contest versus Lincoln Memorial University at noon.
Wayne State Warriors Women’s Softball is based in Detroit, Michigan. The program competes as part of NCAA Division II athletics according to its official website and is affiliated with the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference as detailed online. The team participates as a university-based intercollegiate athletic program representing Wayne State University and operates within Detroit.
