ERIE, Pa. - Mercyhurst softball head coach Leanne Baker is excited to announce the 2026 schedule for the Lakers' upcoming season. The 2026 slate features a mix of road tournaments, non-conference tests and pivotal NEC matchups as Mercyhurst looks to climb the ranks in their second season at the Division I level. 

The season opens with early-season tournament action in the middle of February. Mercyhurst will travel to compete in the Scotsman Invitational in Clinton, S.C., Feb. 13-15. The Lakers will face Albany and Presbyterian before closing out against ETSU and Presbyterian on Saturday and Albany on Sunday.

Following that, the Lakers head across the country to the Aloha State as they compete in the Outrigger Classic in Hawaii Feb. 26-28. Here, they play Portland State on Thursday before back-to-back dual games with Portland State and Hawaii Friday and Saturday. 

After Spring Break, Mercyhurst begins a stretch of NEC competition. The Lakers open conference play with a road series at Robert Morris March 14-15, followed by Wagner March 21-22. Mercyhurst then travels to Kent State March 25 before heading north to face Central Connecticut State March 28-29.

Back in Erie, the Lakers return home to host Youngstown State March 31 and shortly after welcome Stonehill April 3-4. Mercyhurst will then take on Saint Francis in a midweek road series April 7-8.

Another significant home stand begins April 11-12 against FDU, followed by road games at Youngstown State April 14 and at New Haven April 18-19. Mercyhurst will then take a Tuesday trip to Oakland April 21.

The regular season wraps up with key series against Le Moyne at home April 25-26, a Tuesday road matchup against Niagara April 28, and concludes with a weekend trip to LIU May 2-3.

The Lakers will look to strong leadership and depth across the lineup as they aim for postseason success.