TURLOCK, Calif. — Stan State softball will open the 2026 season this weekend at the D2 West Coast Challenge, hosted by Cal State San Marcos at Rosetta Canyon Sports Park in Lake Elsinore, Calif. The Warriors are scheduled to play five games over three days against a competitive mix of regional and national opponents to begin the spring slate.
Stan State opens tournament play on Friday, Feb. 6 against Western Oregon University at 9:00 a.m. The Wolves enter the weekend with a 1–4 start on the young season after splitting a doubleheader at the CUI Kickoff Classic last weekend, including a win over Menlo College. Later Friday, the Warriors will face Biola University at 2:30 p.m., as the Eagles come into the weekend 2–2 after early season play, highlighted by a run-rule victory over Western Oregon that showcased their offensive firepower.
On Saturday, Feb. 7, Stan State will begin the afternoon against Concordia University Irvine at 2:30 p.m. Concordia brings early success into the weekend with a 4–1 overall start in 2026, highlighted by a 5-4 win over #3 ranked Western Washington, carrying momentum from a strong 2025 season that included deep postseason positioning and a PacWest championship. Later that day at 5:00 p.m., the Warriors face Azusa Pacific University, which enters the tournament with a 3–1 record and a competitive start that reflects the team's balance and depth in both pitching and offense.
Stan State will wrap up the weekend on Sunday, Feb. 8, with a 9:00 a.m. contest against Lubbock Christian University who has started off the season 0-3. Lubbock Christian brings a strong tradition of postseason experience and recent success, adding a national element to the weekend slate as the Warriors close out their opening tournament.
The D2 West Coast Challenge gives Stan State an opportunity to open the season against a diverse field while gaining early-season experience in a tournament setting. The weekend will allow the Warriors to evaluate pitching depth, lineup versatility, and on-field chemistry as they begin the 2026 campaign.
Following the tournament, Stan State will return home to host the Stan State Invitational from Feb. 12–15, marking the start of the home portion of the season.
