RICHMOND, Ky. — After three weeks on the road, the Eastern Kentucky University softball team is set to return to Gertrude Hood Field for its home opener, hosting the Colonel Classic from Feb. 27 through March 1.

The Colonels will play four games over three days, welcoming Saint Louis, Bradley, Pitt, and SIUE to Richmond.

EKU opens the tournament against Saint Louis on Friday, Feb. 27 at 2 p.m.

On Saturday, EKU faces Bradley at 3 p.m.

On Sunday, the Colonels open the day against Pitt at 12:30 p.m., with the game set to stream on ESPN+.

EKU will then close out the weekend against SIUE at 3 p.m.

Live stats will be available for all games throughout the weekend.

Scouting the Competition

Saint Louis

The Billikens enter the tournament with a 6-9 record and are currently on a five-game losing streak.

In 2025, Saint Louis finished 34-24, winning the A-10 Championship and advancing to the NCAA Tournament.

At the plate, the Billikens are led by junior Abby Ulsas, who has tallied 19 hits, 15 runs, seven doubles, and 12 RBIs this season.

The Colonels are 5-1 all-time against Saint Louis, last earning a 7-2 win in 2018.

Current associate head coach Mollie Paulick led the way in that matchup, striking out four and allowing no runs over three innings in the circle.

Bradley

Bradley enters the tournament at 4-10 and is currently on a three-game losing streak, with recent losses to Kentucky, Northern Illinois, and Memphis.

Offensively, the Braves are led by senior Kierston McCoy, who has recorded 14 hits, 16 runs, seven doubles, 13 RBIs, and four home runs.

EKU is 2-0 all-time against Bradley, with the last meeting resulting in a 12-7 victory in 2015.

Pitt

The Panthers enter the tournament at 9-6 and are on a two-game winning streak.

Earlier this season, the Colonels earned a 3-1 victory over Pitt at the NFCA Leadoff Classic.

In that matchup, Bayle Hunnicutt pitched four innings, allowing just two hits and one run.

Makayla Mathis went 2-for-3 at the plate with an RBI.

SIUE

SIUE enters the weekend with a 6-9 record. The Cougars hold a 15-13 lead in the all-time series but have dropped the last seven matchups against EKU.

The last meeting between the two teams came in 2021, featuring several current EKU coaching staff members.

Associate head coach Zoe Schafer went 2-for-2 for the Cougars, recording a double, two RBIs, and a home run.

Assistant coach Sammi Miller went 2-for-4 with an RBI and a home run.

Mollie Paulick went 2-for-3 with an RBI as the Colonels earned a 4-2 victory.

Full Weekend Schedule
Friday, Feb. 27
11:30 AM – Saint Louis vs. Bradley
2 PM – Saint Louis at EKU
4:30 PM – Pitt vs. SIUE

Saturday, Feb. 28
10 AM – Pitt vs. Saint Louis
12:30 PM – SIUE vs. Saint Louis
3 PM – Bradley at EKU
5:30 PM – SIUE vs. Bradley

Sunday, Mar. 1
10 AM – Bradley vs. Pitt
12:30 PM – Pitt at EKU
3 PM – SIUE at EKU