GREENVILLE, S.C. - The Malone University softball team opens up the 2026 season in ranked sixth in the NCCAA Coaches Poll. The Pioneers got off to a 3-1 start to their season with wins against West Liberty University and King University. 8-2 Columbia International University is atop the national rankings.
 
After the weekend, pitcher Mia Rose was named the NCCAA Athlete of the Week as the best softball pitcher presented by Athletic Solutions. Rose was 2-0 with a 2.92 ERA, 12.0 innings pitched, five runs allowed and five strikeouts. She also stood out as a batter with a .333 batting average (5-for-15) with three runs, four RBIs and four doubles.
 
A big aspect of the team's success was their limiting of mistakes in the field. Malone is fourth in the NCCAA in fielding percentage in the young season at .972.
 
Up next, the softball program heads to Salem University for a doubleheader on February 27. First pitch is scheduled for 2:00 P.M.