The UNI softball team is set to kick off its 2026 season at the Doc Halverson Classic on February 6, hosted in the UNI-Dome. Featuring teams like Iowa State, Omaha, Butler, and Kansas City, the tournament will showcase 12 games over three days. The Panthers face Kansas City first, aiming to improve their impressive 15-3 all-time record against them. Returning stars include All-Conference honoree Kate Lappe, who had a standout 2025 season, and the team looks to build on last year's success after establishing three team records.

By the Numbers
  • Kate Lappe hit 19 home runs in 2025, tying for second on UNI's single-season record list.
  • UNI broke three records last season: 79 home runs, 244 walks, and 94 stolen bases.
State of Play
  • UNI enters the 2026 season with a strong roster, including six new players, two of whom are transfers.
  • The Panthers maintained a successful .500 or better record in conference play over the last six seasons.
What's Next

The Panthers will play two games on February 7 against Omaha and Butler, looking to secure early season momentum. They'll also face Kansas City again on February 8, followed by a matchup with in-state rival Iowa State.

Bottom Line

This weekend's tournament will be pivotal for the Panthers to solidify their early season standing, with seasoned players leading the charge for another record-breaking year.