DAYTON BEACH, Fla.  - The Pittsburg State University softball team began the 2026 season with a pair of shutout wins over Mount Olive and Embry-Riddle on the first day of the Embry-Riddle Invitational at the Embry-Riddle Softball Field on Friday (Jan. 30).

Pittsburg State (2-0) won the first game of the season against Mount Olive (0-2), 8-0 in a shortened six  innings due to run-rule. Ava Laurent picked up the complete game win with a one-hit performance in the circle, striking out five Tojans. On offense, Kadyn Trochim and Kyleigh Lamont each finished with a trio of RBI while Heather Arnett and Alleyna Rushing each scored twice. 

To end the day, Pitt State picked up a 6-0 win over hosts ERAU (0-1) in seven innings. Lexi Franklin picked up the win with five shutout innings, allowing only two hits. Sailor Hall and Emma Crabb completed the shutout with an inning in relief for both. Trochim led the team with two RBI as the duo of Arnett and Rachael Schlotter recorded two hits and two runs scored to lead the offense.

Up next for the Gorillas will be a rematch against Mount Olive on Saturday (Jan. 31) to begin the day at 2:00 p.m. (CST) before playing against Ferris State at 4:30 p.m. approximately at the Embry-Riddle Softball Field.