The North Dakota softball team kicks off its 2026 season in Honolulu this Thursday as part of the Paradise Classic. They face Pacific and Seattle on February 5, followed by another match against Seattle and Hawai'i on February 6, and wrapping up the weekend against Pacific on February 7. Historically, North Dakota has struggled against these teams, holding an 0-5 record overall. Last season, the Fighting Hawks achieved a program-best tie with a 26-30 record, returning 21 players while adding 11 new ones.

By the Numbers
  • North Dakota has an all-time record of 0-5 against Pacific and Hawai'i combined.
  • Last season, UND had a .254 batting average, the highest since 2014.
State of Play
  • North Dakota has not won on opening day since 2019.
  • Katelyn Neumeyer had a .304 batting average last season.
What's Next

Moving forward, the Fighting Hawks will aim to break their losing streak against Pacific and Hawai'i while seeking their first opening day win since 2019. Their performance in the Paradise Classic will set the tone for the rest of the season.

Bottom Line

As North Dakota opens its season, achieving solid performances against their historically challenging opponents will be crucial to establish momentum and confidence for the season ahead.