Silver City, NM - The Western New Mexico University softball program is set to embark on an exciting and highly competitive 2026 season, opening with a strong slate of opponents that will test the Mustangs early and prepare them for the intensity of conference play. The season begins in Los Lunas, New Mexico, at the 5^th annual South Central Crossover at Los Lunas Sports Complex. WNMU will host a four-game stand featuring Adams State on January 30^th at 12:30 pm, followed by games against UCCS and SWOSU on January 31^st, before concluding the weekend with a match up against New Mexico Highlands on February 1^st. This opening series serves as an important foundation for the Mustangs as they transition into February's demanding tournament lineup. WNMU will compete in the West Coast Challenge in Lake Elsinore, CA on February 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th. They will be challenged by San Bernardino, Monterey Bay, Western Oregon, East Bay, Vanguard, and Simon Fraser. The Mustangs will face a variety of regional opponents that promise to elevate the team's early-season competition level. The California trip also provides valuable road experience before the team enters a series of home-and-away doubleheaders later in the month.

WNMU returns home briefly on February 15^th for a doubleheader against UT Dallas at The Yard at 12:00 pm and then 2:30 pm, before heading to Texas for two doubleheader series, first against St. Mary's at 4:00 pm and 6:30 pm on February 20^th in San Antonio, and second against St. Edward's on February 22^nd at 1:00 pm and 3:30 pm in Austin. The team will remain on the move as they take on Sul Ross State in Alpine on February 28^th, at 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm, marking the beginning of a series of conference match ups that extend into early March. The Mustangs then return home for key games against West Texas A&M on March 6^th at 3:00 pm and 5:30 pm and Eastern New Mexico University on March 8^th at 12:00 pm and 2:30 pm, giving fans additional opportunities to see the team compete on home turf.

Mid-March brings another challenging travel stretch in Texas, starting with trips to UT Tyler on March 13^th at 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm in Tyler, and Texas Woman's University on March 15^th at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm in Denton. The Mustangs then return home to Silver City for consecutive home series against Cameron University on March 20^th at 3:00 pm and 5:30 pm and Oklahoma Christian on March 22^nd at 12:00 pm and 2:30 pm, before heading back to Texas to face UT Dallas in Richardson on March 27^th at 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm. This sequence of alternating home and road match up highlights the program's resilience and adaptability as the regular season intensifies.

April presents a balanced mix of home and away contests that will play a pivotal role in shaping the Mustangs' postseason trajectory. WNMU hosts Texas A&M University–Kingsville on April 1^st at 3:00 pm and 5:30 pm and Texas A&M University – International on April 3^rd  at 12:00 pm and 2:30 pm, followed by road games at Angelo State on April 10^th at 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm in San Angelo and then University of Texas Permian Basin on April 12^th at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm in Odessa. The Mustangs then return to The Yard for a significant late season home stand, including match ups against Sul Ross State on April 18^th at 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm, St. Edward's on April 24^th at 3:00 pm and 5:30 pm, and St. Mary's on April 26^th at 12:00 pm and 2:30 pm. These games are expected to carry substantial conference implications as the team competes for seeding and momentum heading into May.

The regular season concludes with a Texas road trip, beginning with a pair of games at Lubbock Christian on May 1^st at 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm and wrapping up at Midwestern State in Wichita Falls on May 3^rd at 11:00 am and 1:30 pm. These final contests will offer the Mustangs an important opportunity to solidify their position in the conference standings and build confidence as they transition toward potential postseason play.

The 2026 schedule represents one of the most well-rounded and competitive slates in recent years, blending early non-conference challenges with a rigorous Lone Star Conference lineup. With a mix of home advantage at The Yard and demanding travel across multiple states, the Mustangs are poised for a season defined by growth, determination, and high-level competition. As WNMU continues its pursuit of excellence on the diamond, fans and supporters can look forward to months of exciting softball and the promise of a memorable 2026 campaign.
 

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Western New Mexico University is a member of the NCAA Division II, and the Lone Star Conference (LSC). For additional information regarding Mustang Athletics, visit www.wnmumustangs.com; visit wnmu.edu for more information about Western New Mexico University. Follow the Mustangs on social media: @WNMUathletics (X, TikTok & Instagram).