DUBUQUE, Iowa – The Loras College softball team is set to begin their 2026 season on Thursday, Feb. 19, as they take on the North Central College Cardinals at the Louisville Slugger Dome in Peoria, Ill.

The Duhawks enter this season ranking fourth in the American Rivers Conference Preseason Coaches' Poll after a 22-15 overall record last year that included a 9-7 conference mark, good enough for a four seed in the conference tournament.

Entering her 17^th season at the helm, head coach Ashley Winter is excited about the new look Duhawks.

"After graduating nine seniors, we will have many opportunities for players to step up into different roles," Winter said. "The depth and the versatility of this team is exciting."

Despite graduating nine seniors, Loras does return a strong core to this year's lineup headlined by reining A-R-C Rookie of the Year, Kaili Henning. Henning finished last season with a 2.91 ERA in 14 starts. She posted 10 wins and struck out 84 batters while also finishing with a .363 batting average, which featured 20 RBIs as well.

Winter will also be excited to see her senior shortstop Ava Franklin back on the field.

"Ava has been the anchor of our defense at shortstop for the last three years.  As we work different lineup combinations, we will be looking for her to lead the defense," Winter said. Last season, Franklin had a team-high .378 batting average, 45 hits and 58 assists.

Loras also returns two second team all-conference players in Dana Skorich and Kiya Steger to the lineup. Skorich is coming off an impressive freshman season herself that included a .364 batting average and a team-high six home runs. Steger will bring versatility to this year's squad as Winter expects to see her both in the circle and in the outfield.

Rounding out the group of core returners in junior third basemen Katherine Svigelj, who will once again be relied on to set the tone with her energy in the lead off position.

Ellie Baker and Abigail Cortez are two freshmen that coach Winter has her eye on. Baker brings speed and great instincts on the bases, while Cortez will add another layer of depth to an already impressive pitching staff.

Winter's group will be challenged in the non-conference part of their schedule, which includes multiple  games against teams in the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Top-25.

"Our non-conference schedule will be important for us to learn and grow together so we can play our best softball come conference season."

After the trip to Peoria, Loras will travel to Oshkosh, Wis. to take on the No. 23 team in the country in UW-Oshkosh, and UW-Superior. The Purple and Gold will then travel to Kissimmee, Fla. for 10 games at THE Spring Games.

The Duhawks will have two more ranked match ups, one against No. 14 UW-Stevens Point on Mar. 28, and in conference play, when they take on No. 25 Simpson College on Apr. 18.