Softball to kick off 2026 season in Florida

The Otterbein University softball team is set to open the 2026 campaign this weekend, heading south to the Sunshine State for an early-season slate at The Spring Games in Clermont. The Cardinals will play 10 games during the week-long trip as they begin a new season looking to build momentum early.

Otterbein returns several key contributors from a season ago, highlighted by junior Rachel Miller. Miller led the Cardinals at the plate in 2025, batting .400 while tallying nine doubles, three home runs and 15 RBI.

A strong portion of the pitching staff also returns to the circle this spring. Junior Maggie McVicker provides production on both sides of the ball after hitting .338 with 25 RBI last season while also pitching 40 innings across 14 appearances with eight starts. Addison Yoder is back after logging 52.1 innings in 16 outings during the 2025 season, while senior Kiley King proved to be a reliable option out of the bullpen. King finished with a perfect 4-0 record last year, with 19 of her 20 appearances coming in relief.

Offensively, the Cardinals will lean on several experienced bats. Caitlin Wilkins drove in 18 runs last season, while Emma Calkins posted a .304 average with 20 RBI. Kennedi Endsley also returns after batting .308 and showcasing speed on the basepaths, successfully stealing 15 bases in 17 attempts.

Additional contributors expected to factor into the lineup include Lexi Hart, Bri Dowell, Mae Meldrum and Kylie Galowina. The Cardinals will also look for impact from Alex Newsome, Kaylie Eichorn and Bre Preston as the roster continues to develop depth. Otterbein will also look for continued growth from players such as Amber Bradbury and Ella Pfaff as the program aims to take the next step this season.

The Cardinals open their schedule Sunday as part of 10 games at The Spring Games in Clermont. Otterbein will face Saint Joseph's College of Maine and Curry College early in the week before closing the trip with matchups against North Park University and Marywood University on Friday.

Conference play in the Ohio Athletic Conference begins March 21 when the Cardinals travel to face Marietta College. The home opener follows a week later as preseason conference favorite University of Mount Union visits Westerville.

The regular season concludes May 2 with the annual Battle for the Oar rivalry against Capital University, with first pitch scheduled for 1 and 3 p.m. in Westerville.

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Players Mentioned

#12 Emma Calkins: 1B; 5' 11"; Junior

#8 Kennedi Endsley: Util.; Sophomore

#5 Lexi Hart: C; 5' 2"; Junior

#3 Kiley King: P; 5' 5"; Junior

#21 Maggie McVicker: P; Sophomore

#14 Mae Meldrum: C; 5' 8"; Junior

#16 Rachel Miller: OF; 5' 6"; Junior

#23 Alex Newsome: Util.; Sophomore

#1 Caitlin Wilkins: Util.; 5' 4"; Junior

#6 Bri Dowell: MIF; Freshman

Players Mentioned

#12 Emma Calkins
: 5' 11"; Junior
: 1B

#8 Kennedi Endsley
: Sophomore
: Util.

#5 Lexi Hart
: 5' 2"; Junior
: C

#3 Kiley King
: 5' 5"; Junior
: P

#21 Maggie McVicker
: Sophomore
: P

#14 Mae Meldrum
: 5' 8"; Junior
: C

#16 Rachel Miller
: 5' 6"; Junior
: OF

#23 Alex Newsome
: Sophomore
: Util.

#1 Caitlin Wilkins
: 5' 4"; Junior
: Util.

#6 Bri Dowell
: Freshman
: MIF