Raiders Hit the Road for the First Time in 2026

LINKS: Tournament Schedule | Game Changer

NICEVILLE, Fla. — Top-ranked Northwest Florida State softball hits the road for the first time this season on Friday, traveling to Youngsville, La., to compete in the Mardi Gras Invitational.

The Raiders enter the weekend riding momentum after a perfect 4–0 start to the season, sweeping doubleheaders against Parkland and Polk State in opening weekend action. The trip to Louisiana will provide an early test for Northwest Florida, as the field features strong competition, including a pair of Division II powerhouses.

Who the Raiders Will Face

Thursday, January 29
• Game One (5:00 p.m.) — No. 1 Northwest Florida vs. Mississippi Gulf Coast
• Game Two (7:00 p.m.) — No. 1 Northwest Florida vs. LSU-Eunice

Friday, January 30
• Game Three (12:00 p.m.) — No. 1 Northwest Florida vs. Pearl River
• Game Four (2:00 p.m.) — No. 1 Northwest Florida vs. East Central

Last Week
Northwest Florida relied on a balanced approach of timely offense and dominant pitching to open the season unbeaten. Haley Hughes paced the Raiders at the plate, collecting six hits, including a double, and driving in two runs across four games.

Mallory Baker delivered an outstanding all-around performance, contributing both offensively and in the circle. Baker recorded five hits, two doubles, and two RBIs at the plate, while also tossing 9.2 innings, allowing just one earned run and striking out eight. She earned the win in both of her pitching appearances.

Marlee Parsons was equally impressive, logging 9.2 innings of work while allowing just five hits, striking out 10, and surrendering no earned runs on her way to two wins.

Allison Farnsworth made the most of limited opportunities at the plate, recording two hits in just four at-bats—both home runs—including a walk-off homer in the season opener against Parkland.