WHEELING, W.Va. -- Point Park softball will open the 2026 campaign with a doubleheader against Ursuline at Highland Sports Complex. The first pitches are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., respectively. 

The Pioneers ended last season with a 17-30 record (10-18 MEC). The Pioneers picked up a win over Concord in the MEC Tournament, but fell to Charleston and Glenville State in the double-elimination bracket. 

The Pioneers were picked to finish third in the MEC's North Division in the conference's preseason poll in January. 

Point Park returns 11 players from last year's squad, highlighted by Mia Arndt. Arndt led Point Park last year in average, on base percentage and slugging, slashing .383/.442/.571 (1.013 OPS). Arndt, who played in 46 games, led all Pioneers in hits (51), doubles (12) and triples (5).

Senior Jaylyn Mullenax returns after leading Point Park in ERA (2.94) and strikeouts (128). Mullenax also posted a team-best 1.30 WHIP. She pitched 116.2 innings over her 19 appearances (18 of which were starts). Mullenax pitched 14 complete games. 

Gianna Welsh, who tied for the team lead with three home runs and was third in slugging (.393) is also back for the 2026 season. Welsh's seven doubles were tied for second on the team in 2025.

Michelle Coultas returns for her 20th season as Pioneer head coach. Coultas has a career record of 387-354 over her tenure, including 14 postseason appearances, 12 seasons with a .500 or better record and 12 seasons of 20-or-more wins. Coultas led two teams to 31 wins in 2013 and 2015, while recording 26 wins in 2014. From 2022 to 2024, Coultas led Point Park to win totals of 23, 22 and 23, respectively.

The Pioneers will play their home opener on March 1 against D'Youville in a doubleheader. The games are scheduled to start at 1 and 3 p.m., respectively, at Fairhaven Park. Shortly after, the Pioneers will travel to The Spring Games in Florida.