UAPB to host Miss. Valley in softball doubleheader

After a long layoff, the UAPB softball team returns to action against a struggling Mississippi Valley State squad.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 1:33am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a softball game in motion, with the players and field broken down into overlapping planes of color and shape.A cubist interpretation of the upcoming softball doubleheader between UAPB and Mississippi Valley, capturing the dynamic action and competitive spirit of the matchup.Pine Bluff Today

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff softball team will host Mississippi Valley State in a nonconference doubleheader on Wednesday afternoon. UAPB (9-18) is looking to bounce back after a week and a half without a game, while Mississippi Valley (1-27) has lost 20 straight games entering the matchup.

Why it matters

This doubleheader provides UAPB with a chance to shake off the rust from the long layoff before returning to conference play this weekend. Mississippi Valley State, a SWAC East Division opponent, should provide a good warmup for the Lady Lions as they look to improve their 5-4 home record this season.

The details

UAPB dominated the previous doubleheader against Mississippi Valley on March 18, winning 10-1 and 11-3. Ariana Gonzalez, Lyric Perry, and Ryen Gaddis all had strong offensive performances for the Lady Lions in that matchup. Mississippi Valley has three batters hitting .320 or better, but UAPB was able to limit that trio in the first game and improve against them in the second game.

  • The doubleheader is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.
  • UAPB last played on March 28, when they lost both games of a SWAC doubleheader at Grambling State.

The players

Ariana Gonzalez

An outfielder and designated player for UAPB who hit a combined 4 for 7 with five runs batted in and three runs in the previous doubleheader against Mississippi Valley.

Lyric Perry

An infielder for UAPB who hit a combined 3 for 4 with five RBI and three runs in the previous doubleheader against Mississippi Valley.

Ryen Gaddis

An outfielder for UAPB who finished the previous doubleheader against Mississippi Valley 3 for 6 with two RBI and three runs.

Michell Diaz

An outfielder for Mississippi Valley State who provided the Devilettes' lone hit in the first game of the previous doubleheader against UAPB.

Taniya Partee

An outfielder for Mississippi Valley State who is one of three Devilettes batters hitting .320 or better this season.

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What’s next

UAPB will return to SWAC conference play this weekend after the doubleheader against Mississippi Valley State.

The takeaway

This nonconference doubleheader provides UAPB with a good opportunity to shake off the rust from the long layoff and get back into the swing of things before returning to their SWAC schedule. Mississippi Valley State's struggling record should give the Lady Lions a chance to build some momentum heading into the weekend.