Liberty Softball to Open Season at NFCA Division I Leadoff Classic
2/4/2026 9:05:00 AM | Softball
Coming off of its first-ever NCAA Regional title and Super Regional appearance, No. 21 Liberty opens the 2026 season at the NFCA Division I Leadoff Classic in Clearwater, Fla.
The Lady Flames open against No. 4 Tennessee before facing No. 9 Clemson. On Saturday, Liberty takes on Missouri in a game televised nationally by MLB Network, followed by a rematch of the 2025 Eugene Super Regional, against No. 5 Oregon. Liberty closes the weekend against Notre Dame.
NFCA Division I Leadoff Classic
Eddie C. Moore Softball Complex
Clearwater, Fla.
Friday, Feb. 6
Liberty vs. Tennessee - 4 p.m. (Field 3)
Liberty vs. Clemson - 7 p.m. (Field 1)
Saturday, Feb. 7
Liberty vs. Missouri - 1 p.m. (Field 8)
Liberty vs. Oregon - 4 p.m. (Field 9)
Sunday, Feb. 8
Liberty vs. Notre Dame - 9:30 a.m. (Field 1)
The Lady Flames open against No. 4 Tennessee before facing No. 9 Clemson. On Saturday, Liberty takes on Missouri in a game televised nationally by MLB Network, followed by a rematch of the 2025 Eugene Super Regional, against No. 5 Oregon. Liberty closes the weekend against Notre Dame.
NFCA Division I Leadoff Classic
Eddie C. Moore Softball Complex
Clearwater, Fla.
Friday, Feb. 6
Liberty vs. Tennessee - 4 p.m. (Field 3)
Liberty vs. Clemson - 7 p.m. (Field 1)
Saturday, Feb. 7
Liberty vs. Missouri - 1 p.m. (Field 8)
Liberty vs. Oregon - 4 p.m. (Field 9)
Sunday, Feb. 8
Liberty vs. Notre Dame - 9:30 a.m. (Field 1)
- The Lady Flames went 50-15 last season, repeating as CUSA regular-season and tournament champions. Liberty knocked off No. 1 Texas A&M twice at the NCAA Bryan-College Station Regional, becoming the first team in the Super Regional era to eliminate the national No. 1 seed in the Regional round.
- Liberty was predicted to win its third straight CUSA title in the preseason coaches' poll, while catcher Savannah Jessee, infielder Savanah Whatley, pitcher Kaylan Yoder and outfielder Paige Doerr were all named to the CUSA Preseason All-Conference Team.
- Liberty's returning hitters are led by 2025 CUSA Newcomer of the Year Savannah Whatley and 2025 CUSA All-Conference first teamers Savannah Jessee and Brynn McManus. Paige Doerr, named to the 2025 CUSA All-Tournament Team, totaled 13 RBI in 10 postseason games last year.
- Kaylan Yoder anchors Liberty's nine-member pitching staff. A two-time all-conference pitcher, Yoder went 9-6 with a 2.62 ERA last year. She secured a five-out save with a game-ending strikeout to seal Liberty's 6-5 win over No. 1 Texas A&M and send Liberty to the Super Regionals.
- The Lady Flames welcome 11 newcomers, including seven freshmen and four transfers.
Players Mentioned
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