Pirates Split Opening Weekend Going 2-2
The Pensacola State Pirates opened the 2026 softball season with an exciting 10–7 victory over St. Petersburg College at the JUCO Kickoff Classic in Madeira Beach this past weekend.
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | R | H | E |
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0 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 10 | 10 | 3 |
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2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 10 | 1 |
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | R | H | E |
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1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 7 | 1 |
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2 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | X | 9 | 11 | 2 |
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | R | H | E |
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4 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 11 | 10 | 0 |
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0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | X | 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | R | H | E |
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0 | 0 | 5 | 5 | 2 | 12 | 16 | 1 |
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0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
The Pensacola State Pirates opened the 2026 softball season with an exciting 10–7 victory over St. Petersburg College at the JUCO Kickoff Classic in Madeira Beach this past weekend.
St. Petersburg jumped out early, scoring two runs in the bottom of the first inning after taking advantage of a Pensacola State error. The Pirates responded immediately in the top of the second, erupting for four runs to seize control of the game. The big blow of the inning came from Kate Luyten, who delivered a bases-clearing double to put PSC in front.
Pensacola State continued to build momentum in the third inning, adding two more runs thanks to a two-RBI double from Morgan Maples. With a commanding lead, the Pirates looked to be in control, but St. Petersburg battled back in the fourth. A combination of walks and another PSC error allowed the Titans to tie the game, setting the stage for a tense finish.
Megan McKeown provided the decisive spark in the top of the fifth inning, leading off with a solo home run to swing the momentum back in PSC's favor. McKeown also entered the game in relief in the fourth inning and shut the door the rest of the way, stabilizing the Pirates in the circle and earning the win.
Pensacola State added critical insurance in the seventh inning, scoring three runs to put the game out of reach. Kayleigh Cuccia delivered a key two-RBI double to cap the late scoring surge.
McKeown put together a standout all-around performance, finishing 2-for-3 at the plate with two solo home runs while also picking up the win out of the bullpen.
The Pirates capped off a strong day at the JUCO Kickoff Classic with a convincing 9–3 victory over the College of Central Florida, combining dominant pitching with a balanced offensive attack.
Layna Lowry delivered an outstanding performance in the circle, going the distance for PSC. Lowry scattered hits, struck out five batters, and allowed just two earned runs in a complete‑game effort that kept Central Florida in check throughout the contest.
The Pirates offense wasted no time giving Lowry support, scoring multiple runs in each of the first four innings to quickly seize control of the game. PSC consistently put pressure on the defense with timely hits and aggressive baserunning.
Kate Luyten had a standout day at the plate, finishing 3‑for‑4 while scoring three runs. Her ability to get on base and set the tone at the top of the lineup and helped the Pirates maintain momentum all afternoon.
Megan McKeown and Megan LaMorte each added steady production, going 2‑for‑4. McKeown drove in three runs, delivering key hits in clutch moments. Brea Holley also played a major role in the win, driving in three runs to cap off the Pirates' offensive outburst.
Day two proved to be a tough test for the Pensacola State Pirates, as they were unable to adjust to changing weather conditions and stiff competition, dropping a pair of games to conclude the weekend.
PSC opened the day with an 11–1 loss to Indian River State College. Offensive opportunities were limited, but Megan LaMorte provided a bright spot by launching her first home run of the season. Kate Luyten also continued her strong weekend at the plate, going 2‑for‑3 against the Pioneers.
In the final game of the tournament, the Pirates faced Florida SouthWestern State and were held scoreless in a 12–0 defeat. PSC struggled to generate momentum offensively, as the Buccaneers threw a no‑hitter to close out the contest.
Despite the difficult finish, the Pirates gained valuable early‑season experience against quality opponents and will look to regroup as they shift focus to their home opener.
Pensacola State returns to action at home on Wednesday, welcoming John A. Logan College for a doubleheader beginning at 3:00 p.m. at Pirate Softball Complex.