Shonda Stanton and the Indiana Hoosiers softball program opened up their 2026 campaign on February 5th with the Paradise Classic (2/5-2/7) in Boca Raton, Florida. The Hoosiers play five games over the next three days and we will have a round up of this trip (updated after each result).
IU is coming off their third consecutive berth into the Women’s College World Series. They lost in the Fayetteville regional, but finished the 2025 season 34-20 (10-12). IU loses Brianna Copeland (all-time home run leader in IU history) and Taylor Minnick (two-time All-American) to graduation. However, IU returns plenty of firepower as the Hoosiers return five of their top nine hitters in the lineup from 2025 in Madalyn Strader (.413), Avery Parker (.392), Aly VanBrandt (.372), Josie Bird (.311) and Alex Cooper (.311).
Game 1 Indiana Hoosiers vs. Florida Atlantic Owls (Feb. 5th 6pm ET)
TV: FAUSports.com
Game Notes (From IU)
- FAU has made the NCAA Tournament the last two years with back-to-back 40-plus seasons. They return All-American pitcher Autumn Courtney who boasts 500 career strikeouts and 50 career victories.
- Two-time All-American and 2025 Indiana Softball alum Taylor Minnick is in her first season as a graduate assistant for FAU.
Result: Loss 8-0 (5 innings)
The Hoosiers offense mustered just three hits and two walks and stranded all five base runners in an 8-0 loss to the Florida Atlantic Owls. Owls pitcher Autumn Courtney continued her dominance in the circle throwing a complete game and striking out eight Hoosiers in five innings.
The Owls got on the board first with a Kylie Hammond home run to center field. The Owls would scored two in the fourth and five in the fifth to end the game after five innings.
Indiana’s defense kept them in it for as long as possible, turning three double plays.
Game 2 Indiana Hoosiers vs. Army Black Knights (Feb. 6th 4pm)
TV: FloSoftball
Game Notes (From IU)
- Army and Delaware each won 35-plus games in 2025 and won multiple games in their respective conference tournaments.
Result: Win 8-2
The Hoosier got their first win of the season by beating Army 8-2 behind home runs from Avery Parker and Josie Bird. Aubree Hooks got the win pitching four innings and allowing two unearned runs in her first career start.
Game 3 Indiana Hoosiers vs. Ohio State Buckeyes (Feb. 6th 9pm)
TV: FloSoftball
Game Notes (From IU)
- The game against Ohio State will be a non-conference matchup. The Buckeyes went 45-14-1 in 2025 and were Regional Finalists in the NCAA Knoxville Regional.
Result: Win 12-3 (F/5)
While this win does not count for the Big Ten standings, IU flexed their muscles and took advantage of four Buckeye errors to mercy Ohio State.
IU Game Notes from Friday’s games
NOTABLES
• Aubree Hooks earned the win in her first career start against Army.
• Hannah Haberstroh had a career-high three hits and three RBI in the win over Ohio State.
• Taylor Hess pitched a complete game in 5.0 innings with a career-high nine strikeouts.
• Avery Parker and Josie Bird each hit their first home run of the season in back-to-back fashion against Army.
• Alex Cooper recorded two triples on the day.
Game 4 Indiana Hoosiers vs. Delaware Blue Hens (Feb. 7th 11:15 am)
TV: FloSoftball
Result: Win 14-2 (F/5)
The Hoosiers mercy ruled the Blue Hens as well behind a quick start. IU scored five runs in the first inning and two in the second to build a 7-2 lead before putting up five in the fourth and two in the fifth to end the game early. Ella Troutt picked up her first win as a Hoosier after transferring from Georgia.
Game 5 Indiana Hoosiers vs. Stonehill Skyhawks (Feb. 7th 1:30pm)
TV: FloSoftball
Game Notes (From IU)
- Stonehill finished with a 16-34 record in its third season as a Division I program.
Result: Win 10-0 (F/5)
IU jumped on the Skyhawks early building a 6-0 lead. Catacher Avery Parker launched another home run and Aubree Hooks moved to 2-0 on the season.
Notes from Saturday’s two games (from IU)
• Indiana has won four-straight games.
• Ella Troutt earned her first win as a Hoosier with a strong performance in her start against Delaware.
• Aubree Hooks picked up her second win in her second start, going 4.0 innings against Stonehill and only allowing four hits and no runs.
• Josie Bird and Avery Parker each hit their second home run of the season today.
• Three of Indiana’s four wins this season have come by run rule.
• Jada Ellison had her first career hit and made her first career start against Stonehill.