Naples, FL - The SUNY Cobleskill Fighting Tigers dropped both games to open their 2026 softball season on March 8 at the Gene Cusic Collegiate Classic in Naples, Florida, falling 7-2 to Rockford University in the morning and 4-0 to RIT in the afternoon at North Collier Regional Park.

Game One: Rockford University 7, Cobleskill 2
In the opener against Rockford, the Tigers showed offensive promise despite the defeat. Freshman Sam Lawton led the way offensively with a 2-for-3 performance featuring two doubles, providing a spark from the lineup. Freshman catcher/outfielder Julia Barrieau delivered a key two-RBI double in the sixth inning, scoring Lawton and Mackenzie Carver to account for both Cobleskill runs. Sophomore Gabriella Wendelken battled in the circle but took the loss, while the team struggled with a few defensive miscues that allowed Rockford to capitalize on small ball and stolen bases.

Game Two: RIT 4, Cobleskill 0
The second contest against RIT proved tougher, as the Tigers were shut out 4-0. Freshman Sam Lawton took the complete-game loss in the circle, tossing all six innings while allowing four runs (three earned) on seven hits, striking out three and walking one. She scattered the damage but was tagged for a two-RBI double in the fifth that proved decisive.
Offensively, Cobleskill managed just four hits total with no runs crossing the plate, leaving seven runners on base. Highlights included a single by Sammy Fausti to lead off the sixth and a single plus an error-aided advance by Gabriella Wendelken in the same frame, but the Tigers couldn't convert opportunities into scoring. Avery Prievo added a single in the seventh as part of a late push that fell short.

Up Next
The Fighting Tigers look to bounce back on day two of the Gene Cusic Collegiate Classic, taking on Elms College at 9:00 a.m. before facing Alfred State College at 11:00 a.m. in Fort Myers, Florida.