🥎 Troy Newcomers Make Instant Impact as Trojans Open Season 2–0 with Twin Run-Rule Wins

Transfers and freshmen fuel explosive offense while dominant pitching carries Troy past Middle Tennessee and Chattanooga at the Trojan Classic

TROY, Ala. | The Troy Trojans softball wasted no time setting the tone for the 2026 season, rolling to a pair of emphatic run-rule victories over Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders softball and Chattanooga Mocs softball on Friday night at the Trojan Classic.

Behind an explosive offense and poised pitching performances, Troy (2–0) extended its dominance in season openers, improving to 4–0 under head coach Eric Newell while showcasing a revamped roster loaded with immediate contributors.

Power Four transfers Kyye Ricks and Ella Cunningham headlined the opening day surge. Ricks finished 3-for-8 with four RBIs and two doubles across the doubleheader, while Cunningham went 3-for-5 with three RBIs and a double, igniting a lineup that delivered crooked numbers in both contests.

“It was a great day to be a Trojan,” Newell said. “The offense really showed out, and the pitching was clutch—especially in game two. We did a lot of things right, but it’s still day one.”

Game 1: Troy 11, Middle Tennessee 3

The Trojans opened the tournament with authority, run-ruling Middle Tennessee behind a decisive seven-run fifth inning.

After the Blue Raiders jumped out to an early 2–0 lead, Troy responded immediately. Makaley Boswell sparked the rally with a walk before Cunningham’s bloop single brought her home. With the bases loaded, true freshman Jasmine Lawrence delivered a clutch two-RBI single in her first collegiate at-bat, flipping the game’s momentum.

Ricks later doubled down the left-field line and scored on a Kiley Huffman liner to center, while Savannah Money earned the win in the circle, allowing just one earned run over three innings.

Freshman Abby Lovell made her collegiate debut in relief and slammed the door, striking out two in the fifth before Troy erupted offensively to end the game on a walk-off error.

Game 2: Troy 8, Chattanooga 0

Troy closed the night with another statement win, this time behind a dominant performance from Mya Holt.

Holt spun a five-inning, one-hit shutout, recording her fifth career complete game and tying her career high with three strikeouts as the Trojans cruised past Chattanooga.

Boswell crushed Troy’s first home run of the season in the fourth inning, finishing 2-for-2 with a double, a homer, and a walk in her first career start at third base. Ricks and Presley Ivey each drove in two runs, while Troy’s offense once again applied constant pressure.

The Trojans pushed the game into run-rule territory in the fifth, sealing the sweep and capping a flawless opening day.

By the Numbers

• Troy is 4–0 in season openers under Eric Newell
• The Trojans are 23–10 in home tournament games during Newell’s tenure
• Ten players made their Troy debuts, including multiple freshmen recording first hits, RBIs, and appearances
• Troy scored seven runs in an inning for the first time since April 27, 2025

What’s Next

Troy resumes action at the Trojan Classic on Saturday as the Trojans look to build on their momentum and continue a fast start to the season.

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-- By Amelia Nettles

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