MT. HOLLY, N.C. (Feb. 6, 2026) – Fayetteville State opened the 2026 softball season in the first game of a doubleheader on Friday afternoon, falling 9–1 to host Belmont Abbey at Mountain Island.

The Crusaders jumped out early, scoring twice in the bottom of the first inning with two-out, bases-loaded walks to take a 2–0 lead. Belmont Abbey added another run in the second on a sacrifice fly to extend the advantage to 3–0.

The Broncos answered in the top of the second for their first run of the season. After Malia Heath reached base and moved into scoring position, Taylor Stueck lined a double down the left-field line to drive her in, trimming the deficit to 3–1.

Belmont Abbey responded with single runs in the second and third innings before breaking the game open in the fourth. The Crusaders plated five runs in the frame, highlighted by solo home runs from Megan Towery and Ella Crowe, along with two unearned runs following a Fayetteville State throwing error.

Fayetteville State finished the opener with four hits. Stueck went 1-for-2 with a double and the Broncos' lone RBI, while Alyssa Caldwell, Heath, and Sydney Jackson also recorded hits. In the circle, Katelyn Deberry made the season-opening start, striking out three over 3.2 innings before Kasey Jackson closed out the fourth.

Belmont Abbey pitcher Sienna Garcia earned the win after allowing one run on four hits and striking out 10 over five innings.

Fayetteville State (0–1) returned to action later in the day for game two of the doubleheader.