CHARLESTON, S.C. – The George Mason softball team opens its 2026 campaign on the road this weekend, competing in the Charleston Invitational from Friday, February 6 through Sunday, February 8. The tournament is co-hosted by the College of Charleston and Charleston Southern University.
The Patriots' opening-weekend schedule and live coverage information are listed below:
Friday, February 6
CofC Softball Stadium at Patriots Point
12:30 p.m. vs. Central Michigan | Live Stats
5:30 p.m. vs. College of Charleston | Live Stats | Watch live on FloSports
Saturday, February 7
CSU Softball Complex
11 a.m. vs. Marist | Live Stats
1:30 p.m. vs. Charleston Southern | Live Stats
Sunday, February 8
CofC Softball Stadium at Patriots Point
10 a.m. vs. St. John's | Live Stats
A LOOK AT THE PATRIOTS
Mason returns 11 players this season, including five seniors: Tess Altevers Harris, Elyssa DeRosa, Kamryn Inman, Harlowe Nigh, and Logan Pickford. In her first season with the Patriots last year, Altevers Harris led the team with seven triples and shared the team lead in home runs (six) with Logan Pickford. Pickford also recorded 28 RBIs to lead the Patriots. DeRosa led the team with a .307 batting average and 47 hits, while Inman topped the roster in stolen bases with 20.
George Mason returns two juniors in Haleigh Dellow and Kaleigh Friend. The returning sophomore class includes Jessica Chan, Kaitlyn Bronowicz, Madi Sobota, and pitcher Abbey Lane, who led the team with a 2.87 ERA - fourth best in the Atlantic 10.
The Green and Gold added eight new Patriots during the offseason, including seven freshmen and one transfer. The incoming freshmen are Payton Auerbach, Alyssa Hopkins, Maddie Lemasters, Bri Lencz, Alyssa Rangel, Marissa Skinner, and Madeline Staats. Sophomore Meghan Gray transferred to Mason from the University of Maryland.
Head coach Justin Walker enters the 2026 season in his sixth year at the helm. He is joined on the coaching staff by infield coach Nicole Giery and pitching coach Laney Jones, both in their first season with George Mason.
In 2025, the Patriots finished with an overall record of 18-35 and a 9-16 mark in Atlantic 10 play. Elyssa DeRosa and Tess Altevers Harris earned All-Conference Second Team honors, while pitcher Abbey Lane was named to the All-Rookie Team. Madi Sobota was also named Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Week for the week of March 17, 2025.
