Pacific Index

Pacific women’s softball update

By Vivian McCullough

   The Pacific Boxers softball team has made an exciting start to the 2026 season, showing significant improvement from last year and giving Boxer fans plenty to cheer about. After opening the season on the road, Pacific has carried that energy into the opening weeks of play with a compelling 8–2 overall record. These ladies have quickly established themselves as a competitive force and their successes away from home plate have been outstanding. As they continue more into the season, the games start to reflect the team’s growing confidence and strong team dynamic. 

   The Boxers are noticeably kicking off this spring with higher expectations than the last. The team is looking to secure a top four finish in the Northwest Conference and this opportunity would ultimately secure a spot in postseason play. After finishing seventh two years ago and sixth last season, the team is improving each year, which means they have really good chances moving forward this season.

   A balanced roster has been essential to the team’s success so far. Players like junior Karlie Espinoza, senior Chloe Knepp, and junior Kiara Baba have provided leadership and experience for the team. This year’s freshmen have added a new, exciting energy. This mix of returning talent and young players have helped the team perform well early in the season.

   These girls are proven to produce a strong offensive performance this season. Across their six games they have scored 46 runs on 63 hits. Like mentioned before, senior Chloe Knepp, has been at the top of the team with a .429 batting average, two home runs, nine RBIs, and 1.383 OPS. Behind her is junior Jordan Ingram who has hit .409 with six RBIs, and senior Kayla Kodani who’s sitting at a .364 average with a .636 slugging percentage. The team’s overall batting average sits at .326, showing that the team has a balanced team dynamic through the first part of non-conference play.

   Junior infielder Kimberly Ray mentioned, “The chemistry on our team has been amazing. We all trust each other and play for one another. Going into the conference, our goal is to compete at a high level, win or split every series, and just go out there, do us, and ball out!”

   Pacific’s next game is against Pacific Lutheran University, taking place on Saturday, March 21 at noon and again on Sunday, March 22 at 11am, at Pacific University’s home field, Sherman/Larkins Stadium.