OPSU Softball Faces Tough Competition at NAIA Invitational

Oklahoma Panhandle State team takes on Embry-Riddle and No. 8 Central Methodist

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The Oklahoma Panhandle State softball team (2-9) began play at the NAIA SB Invitational on Friday, facing off against Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Ariz.) (3-5) and No. 8 Central Methodist (6-0). The team fell by scores of 5-0 and 13-5 respectively in the matchups against the elite competition.

Why it matters

The NAIA Invitational provides an opportunity for smaller college softball programs like OPSU to test themselves against some of the top teams in the NAIA. While the results were not ideal, facing this level of competition can help prepare the OPSU team for the rest of their season and conference play.

The details

In the first game, OPSU was shut out 5-0 by Embry-Riddle. In the second game, they fell 13-5 to No. 8 ranked Central Methodist. The losses drop OPSU's overall record to 2-9 on the season.

  • The NAIA SB Invitational took place on Friday, February 21, 2026.

The players

Oklahoma Panhandle State softball team

The OPSU softball team, which currently has a 2-9 record on the season.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

An NAIA softball program from Arizona that defeated OPSU 5-0.

Central Methodist

The No. 8 ranked NAIA softball program that defeated OPSU 13-5.

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The takeaway

While the results were not ideal, the OPSU softball team's participation in the NAIA Invitational against elite competition will help prepare them for the rest of their season and conference play.