BRANSON, Mo. — Mission University Women's Softball opened the 2026 season this weekend with four neutral-site contests at the Branson Rec Plex, facing Greenville, Evangel, Culver-Stockton, and Avila.
The Patriots battled throughout the weekend but came away 0–4 against strong early-season competition.
Mission opened play Friday against Greenville. After Courtney Merrell gave the Patriots an early spark with a solo home run in the third inning, Greenville responded with a big middle frame and pulled away for an 8-1 win. Jillian McDaniel recorded a double, while Kloe Hendrickson and Mya Frillman added hits. McDaniel and Kate Potter split time in the circle.
Later Friday, Mission faced Evangel. Despite competing early, the Patriots were limited to three hits in a 6-0 loss. Haley Presley doubled to highlight the offense, and the Patriots turned a double play defensively. Presley and Potter combined for seven innings in the circle.
Saturday brought another tough matchup against Culver-Stockton. Courtney Merrell drove in Mission's lone run, and April Zeno recorded two hits, but Culver-Stockton capitalized on a big fifth inning to secure a 9-1 win. Myra Frillman and Maggie Painter added hits, while Presley, Potter, and McDaniel saw action in the circle.
Mission wrapped up the weekend against Avila. The Patriots collected three hits, including two from April Zeno, but Avila used timely hitting to claim a 7-0 victory. Haley Frillman was active on the bases with a stolen base, and Mission turned a double play defensively.
Throughout the weekend, the Patriots showed flashes offensively from Merrell and Zeno while gaining valuable early-season experience both at the plate and in the circle. With several pitchers seeing action and multiple players contributing hits, Mission will look to build on the lessons learned as the season continues.
The Patriots return to action next week as they face Graceland University in a double-header March 3rd.
