South Dakota
Softball To Kick Off Season with Bearkat Classic
2/5/2026 3:53:00 PM | Softball
HUNTSVILLE — The Sam Houston softball team will open the 2026 season at home this weekend, hosting the Bearkat Classic.Â
The three-day tournament, which will be held at Bearkat Softball Complex, features 10 games beginning Friday, with Central Arkansas taking on South Dakota in the opening matchup. Sam Houston will make its 2026 debut later Friday afternoon against South Dakota.Â
The Bearkats are coming off a 2025 season in which they posted a 28–29 overall record and finished 14–13 in Conference USA, earning a sixth-place conference finish. Sam Houston graduated several key contributors, including Allie Saville, Elia Hebel, and Brodie Quinlan, but reloaded the roster with eight freshmen and two transfers.Â
Among the returning players are pitcher Abigail Young, who was named Preseason All-CUSA, and catcher Bella Perez, who made a significant impact at the plate during the 2025 season on her way to earning all-conference honors.Â
2026 Bearkat ClassicÂ
This will be the sixth consecutive year of the Bearkat Classic. Sam Houston will host Central Arkansas, South Dakota, and Creighton. The tournament will have four games starting at 11 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, and two games Sunday starting at 10 a.m. Â
2026 Bearkat Classic ScheduleÂ
Friday, Feb. 6Â
Central Arkansas vs South Dakota at 11Â a.m.Â
Central Arkansas vs Creighton at 1:30Â p.m.Â
South Dakota vs Sam Houston at 4Â p.m.Â
Creighton vs Sam Houston at 6:30Â p.m.Â
Saturday, Feb. 7Â
Creighton vs Central Arkansas at 11Â a.m.Â
Creighton vs Sam Houston at 1:30Â p.m.Â
South Dakota vs Central Arkansas at 4Â p.m.Â
South Dakota vs Sam Houston at 6:30Â p.m.Â
Sunday, Feb. 8Â
South Dakota vs Creighton at 10Â a.m.Â
Central Arkansas vs Sam Houston at 12:30Â p.m.Â
Series HistoryÂ
South DakotaÂ
The Bearkats first faced off against the Coyotes in 2022 and have an overall record of 2-1. The most recent matchup being in 2023 which ended in a loss for the Kats with a final score of 8-1.Â
CreightonÂ
The Bearkats first faced the Blue Jays in 1989 and haven't played them since 2016. They have an overall record of 5-7 with the last contest resulting in a win for the Kats 7-3.Â
Central ArkansasÂ
The Bearkats first faced the Bears in 2007 when both teams were members of the Southland Conference. Sam Houston is 18-22 all-time against UCA. The Kats last battled the Bears in 2025, resulting in a 2-1 loss.Â
