Ball State Softball Leaves Memphis with .500 Record

Cardinals go 2-1 at the 901 Classic hosted by Memphis

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Ball State's softball team finished the 901 Classic tournament in Memphis with a 2-1 record, defeating Southern Indiana and Memphis while losing to Kansas City. The team's head coach, Helen Peña, was pleased with the team's competitive spirit and drive, despite weather delays affecting the tournament schedule.

Why it matters

The Cardinals' performance at the 901 Classic provides an early indication of the team's potential this season, as they look to build on their 4-4 record and compete for a strong finish in the Mid-American Conference.

The details

Ball State's softball team went 2-1 at the 901 Classic tournament hosted by the University of Memphis. The Cardinals defeated Southern Indiana 9-5 and Memphis 6-2, but lost to Kansas City 1-4. One game against Evansville was canceled due to weather. Despite weather delays affecting the tournament schedule, head coach Helen Peña was pleased with her team's competitive spirit and ability to overcome adversity, particularly in their comeback win against Memphis.

  • The Cardinals competed in the 901 Classic tournament in Memphis on February 10-12, 2026.
  • Ball State's softball season is currently in full swing, with an overall record of 4-4 after two weekends of tournament play.

The players

Helen Peña

The head coach of the Ball State softball team, who was pleased with her team's competitive spirit and drive during the 901 Classic tournament.

Ashlee Lovett

A senior outfielder for the Ball State softball team, who scored the game-tying run in the top of the seventh inning against Memphis to send the game into extra innings.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“My initial reaction to seeing this team on the field is the energy that they bring, and their drive to get things right. They've shown a competitive spirit that I'm looking forward to growing and cultivating. These last two weekends have also shown that we're capable and very talented, so right now the focus is to bring a level of consistency to our game.”

— Helen Peña, Head Coach (ballstatedailynews.com)

“The takeaway of seeing their fight in that game [against Memphis] was a big indicator that conditions don't have to be perfect for us to find ways to win. As long as we stay competitive and commit fully into our systems and processes, we'll give ourselves the opportunity to win and be successful. That's all you can ask for.”

— Helen Peña, Head Coach (ballstatedailynews.com)

What’s next

The Cardinals will next head to Kentucky on February 27 to compete in the Hilltopper Spring Fling hosted by Western Kentucky University.

The takeaway

Ball State's softball team has shown early promise this season, with a competitive spirit and drive that has allowed them to overcome weather delays and other challenges to earn a 2-1 record at the 901 Classic tournament. As the team looks ahead to their next tournament, the focus will be on recovery and continued improvement to build consistency and position themselves for success in the Mid-American Conference.