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Shawnee Today
By the People, for the People
Oklahoma Panhandle State Softball Comes Up Short at NAIA Invitational
Aggies nearly upset ranked Friends University but finish winless on the weekend
Published on Feb. 22, 2026
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The Oklahoma Panhandle State softball team (2-12) came close to upsetting ranked Friends University on Saturday, but ultimately fell 5-4 after losing earlier in the day to Avila 9-1. The Aggies ended the NAIA Softball Invitational tournament in Shawnee, Oklahoma without a win.
Why it matters
The Aggies' close loss to the nationally ranked Friends University squad shows the potential of the young Oklahoma Panhandle State team, even as they continue to struggle overall this season. The tournament provided valuable experience against top competition as the Aggies look to build momentum heading into conference play.
The details
In their first game on Saturday, the Aggies were blown out 9-1 by Avila. But in their second game, they nearly pulled off the upset against Friends University, a team receiving votes in the NAIA Top 25 poll. The Aggies led 4-3 heading into the final inning, but Friends scored twice in the 7th to win 5-4 and hand Oklahoma Panhandle State its third straight loss.
- The NAIA Softball Invitational tournament took place on February 21-22, 2026 in Shawnee, Oklahoma.
- On Saturday, February 22nd, the Aggies lost 9-1 to Avila and then fell 5-4 to Friends University.
The players
Oklahoma Panhandle State
The softball team from Oklahoma Panhandle State University, a public university located in Goodwell, Oklahoma.
Friends University
A private Christian university in Wichita, Kansas that fields a nationally ranked NAIA softball team.
Avila
A private Catholic university in Kansas City, Missouri that competed against Oklahoma Panhandle State in the NAIA Softball Invitational.
The takeaway
While the Aggies were unable to come away with a win at the NAIA Softball Invitational, their close loss to a nationally ranked opponent shows the team's potential and the progress they are making, even as they continue to struggle overall this season. The tournament provided valuable experience that could pay dividends as Oklahoma Panhandle State looks to build momentum heading into conference play.
