FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. The Methodist University softball program has announced its 2026 schedule, unveiling a 40-game slate that blends competitive non-conference matchups with a full USA South Athletic Conference campaign.
The Monarchs open the season at home on Saturday, February 14, hosting Christopher Newport University for a doubleheader beginning at 2:30 PM on Price Field.
Methodist then hits the road for a Sunday doubleheader at Averett University on February 15, with games set for 1 and 3 PM, before returning to Fayetteville to host Messiah University on Friday, February 20, starting at 3 PM. The Monarchs continue their early stretch with a Saturday doubleheader at the University of Lynchburg on February 21, beginning at noon.
A brief return home follows on Saturday, February 28, when Methodist welcomes Guilford College for a noon doubleheader, before traveling to Randolph College on Sunday, March 1, for another twin bill in Lynchburg, Virginia.
On Saturday, March 7, the Monarchs take part in the annual Triangle Collegiate Softball Classic in Raleigh. Methodist opens the event facing Sweet Briar College at 11 AM before taking on Piedmont University at 4 PM. Non-conference play continues Sunday, March 8, as the Monarchs return to Fayetteville to host Bridgewater College for a 1 PM doubleheader.
Mid-March features back-to-back road doubleheaders, beginning at the University of Mary Washington on Saturday, March 14, followed by a Sunday twin bill at Marymount University on March 15.
USA South action begins on Saturday, March 21, when Methodist hosts Mary Baldwin University for a doubleheader at 1 and 3 PM. The Monarchs then head out for their first conference road trip, playing at William Peace University on Saturday, March 28, and at Greensboro College on Sunday, March 29.
Conference play resumes in April with a home doubleheader against Brevard College on Saturday, April 4, followed by a road trip to Meredith College for two games on Tuesday, April 7, in Raleigh. Methodist then travels to Southern Virginia University for a doubleheader on Saturday, April 11, before returning home the following day to host Johnson & Wales University (Charlotte) in non-conference action.
The Monarchs close out conference play with a home doubleheader against Pfeiffer University on Saturday, April 18, followed by a Tuesday road twin bill at North Carolina Wesleyan University on April 21. The regular season concludes on Sunday, April 26, with a home doubleheader versus Salem College.
Postseason play begins with the USA South Softball Tournament, featuring a four-team, double-elimination format from April 30–May 2. The conference championship series is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, May 8–9.
