Northwestern State softball drops to 5-12 after losses to Jackson State University

The Demons lost five-three to DePaul before suffering a 10-0 run-rule defeat against host Jacksonville State.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Northwestern State's softball team fell to 5-12 on the season after surrendering 12 extra-base hits in losses to DePaul and Jacksonville State on Sunday. The Demons lost 5-3 to DePaul before suffering a 10-0 run-rule defeat against host Jacksonville State to conclude the third week of the 2026 season.

Why it matters

The losses drop Northwestern State's record to 5-12 on the season, putting them in a difficult position as they approach Southland Conference play. The team's struggles to contain opposing offenses, particularly the seven-run third inning by Jacksonville State, raise concerns about their competitiveness going forward.

The details

In the opening game against DePaul, the Demons jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning, but DePaul tied the game at 3-3 in the fourth inning and then took the lead for good with a two-run home run. In the finale against Jacksonville State, the Gamecocks broke open a 1-0 game with a seven-run third inning, recording six extra-base hits in the frame.

  • The double-header in Jacksonville, Ala., marked the third time in four games that the Demons scored multiple runs in their opening at-bat.
  • The losses came on Sunday, February 23, 2026.

The players

Brynn Daniel

A Northwestern State player who sparked a two-out rally in the first inning against DePaul with a base hit.

Aly Delafield

A Northwestern State player who drove in a run with a shot through the left side in the first inning against DePaul.

Sister Arnold

A Northwestern State player who picked up an RBI with the bases loaded against DePaul.

Camryn Becnel

A Northwestern State player who pushed the lead to 3-0 with an infield single against DePaul.

Maya Wondaal

A DePaul player who hit a two-run home run over the left field wall to provide the winning 5-3 margin against Northwestern State.

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What’s next

Northwestern State returns to the Demon Diamond next weekend to host Arkansas-Pine Bluff and Missouri State. The games are part of the 2026 City of Lights Classic, which serves as the final non-conference weekend before Southland Conference play begins.

The takeaway

Northwestern State's softball team faces an uphill battle to turn around their 5-12 start to the season, as they struggled to contain opposing offenses in their latest losses. The team will need to find a way to limit extra-base hits and big innings from their opponents if they hope to be competitive in Southland Conference play.