Tennessee Tech Softball Heads to Gardner-Webb Classic

Golden Eagles look to bounce back from 0-4 start at Red and Black Tournament

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles softball team (0-4) will compete in the Gardner-Webb Red and Black Classic this weekend, facing Lehigh, Queens, and the host Gardner-Webb. The tournament begins on Friday, February 13th, with Tech taking on Lehigh at 9:00 AM. The Golden Eagles are seeking to turn around their challenging start to the season.

Why it matters

Tennessee Tech is looking to gain momentum and confidence after dropping all four games last week at the Campbell Tournament. The Red and Black Classic provides an opportunity for the Golden Eagles to pick up some early-season wins against quality opponents and build towards conference play.

The details

Tech will play Lehigh twice, with a second game scheduled for Sunday at 9:00 AM. Sandwiched between those games are two contests against Queens University – Friday at 11:30 AM and Saturday at 9:00 AM. The Golden Eagles will conclude the tournament with a 2:00 PM game against the host, Gardner-Webb, on Saturday. Weather could be a factor, with a 99% chance of rain predicted for Sunday. Lehigh enters the tournament 3-2 after strong offensive showings, while Queens and Gardner-Webb have also played well early in the season.

  • The tournament begins on Friday, February 13th.
  • Tech's first game is against Lehigh at 9:00 AM on Friday.
  • Tech's second game against Lehigh is scheduled for Sunday at 9:00 AM.
  • Tech will play Queens on Friday at 11:30 AM and Saturday at 9:00 AM.
  • Tech's final game is against Gardner-Webb on Saturday at 2:00 PM.

The players

Lehigh

An NCAA Division I softball team that enters the tournament with a 3-2 record after competing at the Felsberg Invitational in Miami. They have demonstrated offensive power, with Megan Lodge batting .800 and Crysta Duenas leading the team with four RBI.

Queens University

A softball team that recently suffered a 7-5 loss to Bowling Green, with Kami Diaz and Lindsay Henson each driving in two runs for Queens.

Gardner-Webb

The host of the Red and Black Classic, coming off a 3-2 weekend in their home tournament, with Reese Collier driving in 10 runs and Taylor Dreher recording seven RBI.

Jailynn Paderez

A Tennessee Tech player currently leading the team with a .400 batting average.

Ella Bishop

A Tennessee Tech player who has three RBI so far this season.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This tournament provides an important opportunity for the Tennessee Tech softball team to gain momentum and confidence after a challenging start to the season. The Golden Eagles will face tough competition, but a strong performance could set them up for success in conference play.