PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas – The Prairie View A&M softball team opens the 2026 season this weekend, hosting a five-game slate at H-E-B Field against Manhattan University, Bradley University, and the University of the Incarnate Word from Friday, February 6 through Sunday, February 8.

The Panthers will begin the season Friday morning against Manhattan before squaring off with Bradley later in the day. Prairie View will face both opponents again on Saturday before closing opening weekend against Incarnate Word on Sunday afternoon
Season-Opening Weekend Schedule – H-E-B Field
Friday, February 6
• 10:00 a.m. – Prairie View A&M vs. Manhattan
• 12:35 p.m. – Prairie View A&M vs. Bradley
Saturday, February 7
• 10:00 a.m. – Prairie View A&M vs. Manhattan
• 12:35 p.m. – Prairie View A&M vs. Bradley
Sunday, February 8
• 12:35 p.m. – Prairie View A&M vs. Incarnate Word

Player & Program Notes
The Prairie View A&M softball program enters the 2026 season riding the momentum of a dominant 2025 campaign, during which the Lady Panthers posted a 21–3 SWAC record and captured the SWAC Western Division title. Under the leadership of back-to-back-to-back SWAC Head Coach of the Year Vernon Bland, Prairie View combined elite pitching, explosive offense, and timely execution to establish itself as one of the premier programs in the conference.

Prairie View's pitching staff was anchored by senior Cailin Massey, who earned 2025 SWAC Pitcher of the Year honors after finishing the season with a 2.49 ERA, nine conference wins, and five complete games. Massey was also named to the All-SWAC First Team following her standout season in the circle.

Offensively, senior outfielder Janaiya Thomas made an immediate impact in her first season with the program, earning SWAC Newcomer of the Year honors. Thomas led the team with a .368 batting average, while totaling 40 RBIs, 39 hits, and 18 stolen bases, earning All-SWAC First Team recognition.

Prairie View placed six student-athletes on the 2025 All-SWAC Team, highlighted by:
• Cailin Massey – First Team (Pitcher)
• Janaiya Thomas – First Team (Outfield)
• Reagan Green – First Team (First Base)
• Kearstin Tinsley – First Team (Second Base)
• Mia Nunez – Second Team (Outfield)
• Brielle Moreno – Second Team (Pitcher)

Coach Bland was also honored as the 2025 SWAC Coach of the Year, marking the program's third consecutive division title under his guidance.

Throughout the season, the Lady Panthers delivered in key moments. In a 5–3 victory over Texas Southern (April 18), Massey and Thomas each went 2-for-4 with RBI performances. During a doubleheader sweep of Southern, Thomas delivered a clutch two-run triple while Massey tossed a complete game to secure a 4–3 win.

At the SWAC Tournament, junior pitcher Brielle Moreno battled through a complete-game effort against Bethune-Cookman, while Halley Elizarraras provided strong relief appearances out of the bullpen.

Prairie View also earned national recognition, finishing the 2025 season as the NCAA Division I statistical champion in stolen bases per game, leading the country with an aggressive and efficient approach on the basepaths.

Prairie View enters the 2026 season with a strong veteran presence, as the Panthers placed four student-athletes on the Preseason All-SWAC First Team. The group is highlighted by Reagan Green (1B), Kearstin Tinsley (2B), Mia Nunez (OF), and Kayla Adams (P).

Additionally, Dyani McKinley (3B) earned Preseason All-SWAC Second Team honors, giving the Panthers five preseason all-conference selections heading into opening weekend.

With a deep roster, championship experience, and a blend of veteran leadership and emerging talent, Prairie View A&M opens the 2026 season poised to continue its rise as a conference and national contender.