LUBBOCK, Texas (January 27, 2026) — Experience remains the foundation for Lubbock Christian University softball entering the 2026 season, as the Lady Chaps return a seasoned core from last year's NCAA postseason squad.
 
LCU finished the 2025 season with a 36-22 record, going 26-18 in Lone Star Conference play and earning its fifth NCAA Tournament appearance. Despite graduating several offensive standouts, the Lady Chaps return five positional starters from their final game of the season, along with a pitching staff that logged significant innings a year ago.
 
Junior Kadin Vire headlines the returning group after emerging as one of the team's most dynamic all-around performers. Vire led LCU with 14 stolen bases, finished second in runs scored and collected 64 hits while starting all 57 games in the outfield and behind the plate. Her performance earned her a spot on the LSC Preseason Players to Watch list.
 
Senior Ashlinn Hamilton provides versatility both offensively and in the circle. Hamilton hit seven home runs and drove in 26 runs last season while also pitching in nine games. She was named to the LSC Preseason Pitchers to Watch list after posting a 2-1 record and contributing to a staff that recorded a 3.59 team ERA.
 
Riley Flores, a senior, returns after leading the team in on-base percentage in leadoff opportunities and ranking among the conference leaders in walks. Flores recorded 29 runs and 20 RBI while anchoring the defense at multiple positions.
 
Senior Piper Garcia adds experience in the outfield after appearing in 46 games and delivering several key offensive performances, including a four-RBI outing last season in a game against Oklahoma Christian. Catcher Sophia Reyes rounds out the returning starters, providing stability behind the plate with a .994 fielding percentage and handling a pitching staff that recorded 282 strikeouts.
 
The pitching staff returns four arms who each logged at least 22 innings in 2025, led by sophomore Kendall Ward. Ward earned All-Lone Star Conference Third Team and All-Freshman Team honors after posting a 6-2 record with five saves and a 2.09 ERA. Her five saves ranked 12th nationally and led the conference.
 
Fellow sophomore Natalee Gray adds depth after earning six wins and recording a no-hitter against UT Permian Basin. Reese Farrar also returns after making 19 appearances and collecting four wins in the circle.
 
Overall, there are 11 returning players from last season's squad (includes two who redshirted last season and did not play). Head coach Daren Hays enters his 16th season at LCU with a career record of 588-218 and believes the returning group provides the leadership necessary to integrate a talented newcomer class.
 
The Lady Chaps were picked fifth in the Lone Star Conference preseason poll and opens the season at the Lone Star Classic this weekend in Mansfield, Texas with a five-game slate at Fields of Station 63. Temperatures, especially wind chill temps, are expected to be hovering around freezing for the event, so any schedule changes will be posted at www.lcuchaps.com.