Wichita State Softball Heads to East Carolina for Conference Opener

Shockers look to continue recent success against the Pirates

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Wichita State softball opens American Athletic Conference play this weekend with a three-game series at East Carolina. The Shockers are 7-3 over their last 10 games and coming off a 2-2 performance at the Mizzou Invitational. Wichita State is led by senior outfielder Addison Moore, who was named American Player of the Week after a dominant showing in Columbia.

Why it matters

This series marks the start of conference play for Wichita State, who was picked to finish third in the preseason coaches' poll. The Shockers have had East Carolina's number in recent years, winning 12 of the last 13 meetings, but the Pirates have reloaded their roster in the offseason and will be looking to knock off the perennial contenders.

The details

Wichita State enters the weekend at 7-3 over its last 10 games, including a 2-2 showing at the Mizzou Invitational. Senior Addison Moore has been on a tear, hitting .846 over her last five games with two doubles, three home runs, 10 runs scored and six RBIs. Moore was named American Player of the Week on March 2. East Carolina is 8-2 over its last 10 games and is led by transfer Brooke Stone, who was named to D1Softball's Preseason Mid-Major D100 List.

  • Wichita State opens American Athletic Conference play this weekend, March 6-8, in Greenville, North Carolina.
  • Wichita State was run-ruled 9-1 by Kansas in its 2026 home opener on Wednesday, March 5.

The players

Addison Moore

A senior outfielder for Wichita State who was named American Player of the Week on March 2 after a dominant performance at the Mizzou Invitational.

Brooke Stone

A transfer to East Carolina who was named to D1Softball's Preseason Mid-Major D100 List.

Wichita State Softball

The Wichita State softball team, who was picked to finish third in the American Athletic Conference preseason coaches' poll.

East Carolina Softball

The East Carolina softball team, who has reloaded its roster in the offseason and will be looking to knock off perennial contender Wichita State.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

Wichita State will face Oklahoma State in a midweek matchup on March 11 at 6 p.m. in Stillwater.

The takeaway

This series marks the start of conference play for Wichita State, who will look to continue their recent dominance over East Carolina and get off to a strong start in the American Athletic Conference race.