Oklahoma Sooners Softball Schedule: 2024 Dates & Locations

Tucson, Arizona – The University of Arizona Wildcats softball team commenced its 2026 season on Thursday, February 5th, with a pair of decisive victories over Southern Utah in a doubleheader at Hillenbrand Stadium. Both games were concluded early due to the run-rule, with Arizona winning 8-0 in both contests, marking a strong start to the season for the 18th-ranked team in the USA Softball Pre-Season Poll.

The opening of the season coincides with the fifth annual Candrea Classic, a tournament hosted by Arizona. The Wildcats will continue to host games through Sunday, February 8th, with a highly anticipated matchup against third-ranked Oklahoma scheduled for later in the weekend. Arizona boasts a 17-2 all-time record in the Candrea Classic, demonstrating a consistent home-field advantage.

This year’s team features a blend of returning players and newcomers, with nine additions to the roster – four freshmen and six transfers. The influx of new talent is intended to bolster a squad that finished second in the 2025 Big XII regular season and conference tournament, despite being tied for third in the 2026 Big XII preseason poll alongside Arizona State.

Centerfielder Regan Shockey and catcher/utility player Sydney Stewart were recognized in the Big XII preseason team, signaling their expected contributions to the Wildcats’ performance this season. However, the team has undergone significant changes in the pitching department, necessitating a reliance on new arms.

Jalen Adams, a transfer from Iowa, is projected to be the ace of the Arizona pitching staff. During her three years with the Hawkeyes, Adams compiled a 45-34 record with a 2.26 ERA across 102 appearances and 78 starts. Her experience will be crucial as Arizona navigates a schedule that includes challenging opponents like Oklahoma and teams from the Southeastern Conference (SEC) later in the season.

Sophomore Sarah Wright is the only returning pitcher for Arizona, having thrown 4.1 innings in 2025. She will be supported by Jenar Berry, a classmate who transferred from Indiana, where she logged 65 innings with a 4.39 earned run average last year. The pitching staff’s performance will be a key factor in Arizona’s success as they aim to improve upon their strong showing in the previous season.

The Wildcats’ schedule extends beyond the Candrea Classic, encompassing a series of tournaments and conference matchups. Following the opening weekend, Arizona will host the Bear Down Fiesta from February 12th to 15th, featuring teams such as Creighton, Coastal Carolina, Drake, and Utah Valley. A trip to New Mexico for the New Mexico Tournament is slated for February 13th-15th, with games against Montana, New Mexico State, Minnesota, and Idaho State.

February will also see the team participate in the Mary Nutter Classic in Cathedral City, California, facing opponents including Cal State Fullerton, San Diego State, Duke, Long Beach State, California, and Washington. March brings a demanding stretch of games, including contests against Sam Houston State in Oklahoma, a series at North Texas, and further matchups at the Okana Invitational, also in Oklahoma.

A significant portion of Arizona’s schedule is dedicated to SEC competition, with series against Auburn, Ole Miss, LSU, Kentucky, Texas, Arkansas, and Georgia. These games will provide a crucial test for the Wildcats as they compete within a challenging conference landscape. The season culminates with potential participation in the SEC Tournament in Lexington, Kentucky, followed by the NCAA Regionals and Super Regionals, ultimately leading to the Women’s College World Series in Oklahoma City from May 28th to June 5th.

Historically, Arizona holds a dominant 16-0 record against Southern Utah, further solidifying their strong start to the 2026 season. The team’s performance in the Candrea Classic and throughout the season will be closely watched as they strive for success in the competitive world of collegiate softball.