Softball | 2/26/2026 11:18:00 AM

COLUMBIA, Ky. - Two weeks after opening the season in Georgia, Blue Raider softball travel back down to the Peach State, February 27-March 1, for the NFCA-NAIA Leadoff Classic.

The tournament, hosted at site of the 2026 NAIA Softball World Series in Columbus, Georgia, features 18 programs representing eight conferences from across the NAIA.

Lindsey Wilson opens play at 10 a.m. CT on Friday, February 27 with a doubleheader against William Carey (Miss.) and Coastal Georgia. The Crusaders (9-3) started the year wit eight consecutive wins but have lost two of their last three games. Junior Carolina Lindsey had 10 RBIs on 12 hits over William Carey's first six games. As for Coastal Georgia, the Mariners are off to a 10-0 start behind a 0.353 batting clip.

On Saturday, February 28, the Blue Raiders face Truett-McConnell (Ga.) at 11 a.m. CT before taking on Brenau (Ga.) at 1:30 p.m. CT. The latter of the two won five straight games to open the season, scoring 10-plus runs four times. The Tigers, did however, suffer their first defeat in their most recent game against Brewton-Parker (Ga.) on February 17. Truett-McConnell (9-4) leads the nation with 19 home runs and 59 extra-base hits.

Lindsey Wilson plays its final game of the weekend at 8 a.m. CT on Sunday, March 1 versus Mobile (Ala.). The Rams (5-3) are led by outfielder Diana Arcay, who boasts a 0.500 hitting percentage with 13 hits and nine RBIs.

The Blue Raiders are a combined 6-13 all-time against their five opponents dating back to 2001. Truett-McConnell is the only one of the five that Lindsey Wilson has never faced.

Live coverage of the tournament is provided by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA).