BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (February 12, 2026) – The University of North Alabama softball team is gearing up for an exciting tournament at Samford this weekend after a strong start to the season with a record of 4-1.
The Lions will compete against Lindenwood, Belmont, and Samford in a two-day event. Originally planned for five games, the tournament has been shortened to four due to weather concerns. Saturday matches will include a rematch with Belmont and a final game against Samford.
Tournament Details
- Date: Feb. 13-14
- Location: Samford Softball Field, Birmingham, Alabama
- Games:
- vs. Lindenwood: Feb. 13 at 10 a.m.
- vs. Belmont: Feb. 13 at 3 p.m.
- vs. Belmont: Feb. 14 at 3 p.m.
- vs. Samford: Feb. 14 at 5:30 p.m.
Fans can follow live stats online, and updates will be available on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Team Highlights
North Alabama started strong with impressive wins, including a decisive 16-4 victory over Southern. They have consistently outperformed opponents, boasting a total of 39 runs scored against 21 allowed in their first five games.
Key Players:
- Emma Kate Wright: Known for her game-changing performance, she hit a three-run homer to secure a win against Middle Tennessee.
- Briley Dover and Laura Leigh Wheeler: Both are key hitters with batting averages above .400, contributing significantly to the team’s offense.
Head Coach Ashley Cozart has led the Lions to a remarkable 12-1 record in season openers over her tenure. The team’s commitment is evident as they strive for the ASUN championship.
Scouting the Competition
- Lindenwood: With a 3-1 record, they recently lost a close match against Alabama State. Notably, senior Tori Hatton has been a standout, ranked ninth nationally for RBIs.
- Belmont: They’re riding high after defeating Georgia, showcasing their competitive spirit. Rylee Spindler has started strong, batting .533 over the last weekend.
- Samford: The Bulldogs are 2-4, with a solid performance against Florida State. Junior Katie Campbell leads their batting lineup.
Fun Fact
Curiously, UNA is the only Division I softball team this year with two sets of twins on the roster. This unique pairing adds a special dynamic to the team environment.
As the tournament kicks off, fans and players alike are eager to see how the Lions build on their success. Their current statistics place them among the top contenders in the Atlantic Sun Conference, and many are hopeful for another strong performance this weekend.
For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit Roar Lions.
