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.
