Softball Launches 2026 Campaign in Madeira Beach, Florida

SOUTH PRINCE GEORGE, VA — The Richard Bland College softball team traveled to Madeira Beach, Florida to open the 2026 season at the 2026 JUCO Kickoff Classic, a three-day tournament featuring strong junior college competition. The early-season event provided the Statesmen an opportunity to evaluate progress, build chemistry, and compete against quality opponents to begin the year.

The Statesmen dropped a pair of contests to St. Petersburg College on Feb. 6, split a doubleheader with the Titans on Feb. 7, and fell twice to Polk State College on Feb. 8.

Richard Bland began the weekend against St. Petersburg College in a doubleheader to open tournament play. The Statesmen battled throughout both contests but were unable to overcome timely hitting from the Titans, dropping both games, 0-8 and 2-4, to open the season. Despite the results, RBC saw competitive at-bats and valuable innings in the circle as the team adjusted to live game action for the first time this spring.

The Statesmen bounced back on day two, earning a split against St. Petersburg College, 2-10 and 6-2. RBC showed improvement offensively and defensively, securing its first win of the 2026 season in the second game of the day. In the win, Claudia Minetree collected three hits in three at bats. The Statesmen opened the scoring in the first after Kamryn Lane had a sacrifice fly, scoring one run. A single by Minetree extended the lead to 2-0 in the bottom of the second inning. The Titans tied the game in the top of the fourth on a single and an error. In the bottom of the sixth, Richard Bland broke up the tie when Arianna Manson singled, scoring two runs. Then a triple by Minetree followed to extend the lead to 6-2. Ava Balli opened the game for Richard Bland. The starter surrendered four hits and two runs (one earned) over seven innings, striking out three and walking five.

Richard Bland closed tournament play against Polk State College on Sunday, February 8^th. The Eagles capitalized on scoring opportunities throughout the day, as the Statesmen dropped both contests to wrap up the weekend, 2-16 and 2-3. In game two of the day, both teams were strong in the circle, but the Eagles showed strength at the plate. Ava Balli started the game for the Statesmen, allowing seven hits and three runs (two earned) over six innings, while striking out five and walking three. Gabby Shaver led RBC with one run batted in. The right-handed hitter went 1-for-3 in the game. Shaver, Patricia Lett, and Minetree each collected one hit for the Statesmen.

The Statesmen (1-5) will travel to the University of Lynchburg on Saturday, February 14^th for a 12pm doubleheader scrimmage.

For the full schedule and updates throughout the season, visit https://www.rbcathletics.com/sports/sball/2025-26/schedule or follow @rbcsoftball on social media.