LOCK HAVEN, Pa. – The Lock Haven softball team is set to open its 2026 season by traveling to Jackson Township, New Jersey to take on Wilmington (Del.) inside the Adventure Crossing USA Sports Dome for a non-conference doubleheader.
2026 Softball Season Opener
Opponent: Wilmington (Del.)
Location: Jackson Township, N.J.
Facility: Adventure Crossing USA Sports Dome
Time: 9:30 a.m. & 11:30 a.m. (DH)
Coverage: Watch ($PPV) | Live Stats
Lock Haven Softball: Roster | Schedule | 2025 Statistics
A Quick Look at the 2026 Bald Eagles
Lock Haven closed the 2025 regular season at 15-27 overall and 9-23 in PSAC play, including a 6-10 mark at home and 8-15 record on the road.
Offensive Leaders
The Haven will look to build around
Blaire Balestrini after her breakout freshman campaign in 2025.
Balestrini was named the PSAC East Freshman of the Year, First Team Atlantic Region Shortstop and was named a finalist for the 2025 NCAA DII National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Freshman of the Year.
Balestrini emerged as one of the PSAC's most dangerous hitters and headlines Lock Haven's lineup after leading the Bald Eagles in nearly every major offensive category. The freshman posted a team-best .399 average with 55 hits, including seven doubles, four triples and 11 home runs, while driving in 33 runs and scoring 30 times in 42 starts. Her 103 total bases and .746 slugging percentage paced Lock Haven and powered an offense that finished the season with 32 homers and 147 RBIs as a team.
Madison Hardy added another power threat with six home runs and 18 RBIs, while starting all 42 games. Consistent producers such as
Abby Robertson (.276, 35 hits, 12 RBIs),
Maci Brodzina (.260, 32 hits, 9 RBIs) and
Madison Melius (.235, 27 hits, 13 RBIs, 4 stolen bases) rounded out a balanced order that saw eight different Bald Eagles drive in at least nine runs.
Pitching Staff
In the circle,
Talia Ross anchored the staff and finished as Lock Haven's wins leader, going 8-11 with a 4.68 ERA over a team-high 104.2 innings. Ross recorded 87 strikeouts against 35 walks, held opponents to a .301 average and logged 10 complete games and two shutouts.
Keri Wesneski provided a strong secondary option, going 4-9 with a 4.53 ERA in 23 appearances (10 starts), covering 85.0 innings with 38 walks and 10 strikeouts while limiting opponents to a .317 average.
Keiva Middleton and
Faith Persing are also set to return from injury, after strong seasons in 2024.
2026 PSAC Softball Preseason Polls (# of first-place votes in parentheses)
Eastern Division
1. East Stroudsburg (6)
2. Shippensburg (2)
3. Shepherd (1)
4. Kutztown
5. West Chester
6. Bloomsburg
7. Millersville
8. Lock Haven
9. Mansfield
Western Division
1. Slippery Rock (4)
2. IUP (3)
3. Gannon (1)
4. Seton Hill
5. California
6. Clarion
7. Pitt-Johnstown
8. Edinboro
Up Next for The Haven:
The Bald Eagles will travel to Philadelphia, Pa. for a non-conference doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m. at Holy Family on Tuesday, Feb. 24.
