Skip To Main Content
Skip To Main Content

Colgate University Athletics

Mia Cascio Analisa Raffaelli
Olivia Hokanson

Colgate Softball Set for 2026 Season

| By: Jordan Doroshenko

Raiders open with five games in Jacksonville

HAMILTON – Colgate Softball has its sights set on the 2026 season, opening the year with five games in Jacksonville to kick off opening weekend. The Raiders will compete in the River City Leadoff, with contests hosted by Jacksonville and North Florida throughout the weekend.

Colgate looks to build on the successes of the 2025 campaign, which included a series sweep of Holy Cross and Patriot League victories over Lafayette and Lehigh. The Raiders finished the season 18-33 overall, including a 6-12 mark in league play.

With underclassmen comprising 80 percent of Colgate's 2026 roster, the Raiders feature a youthful group of seven first-years, five sophomores, one junior, and two seniors competing under ninth-year head coach Marissa Lamison-Myers, alongside assistants Matt Nandin, Mike Smith, and Adrienne Nardone '23.

"We are extremely excited to hit the ground running with this young group," Lamison-Myers said. "They have given us a burst of energy and a fresh new outlook on our season. With our sophomores having a year of experience under their belt, they are not only more confident but have a clear understanding of how extensive our season is. With every new young group comes growing experiences, and I am optimistic that we are going to learn and continue to improve the longer we are able to be on dirt."

RAFFAELLI HEADLINES RETURNERS

Colgate's young and promising core is headlined by Preseason All-Patriot League honoree Analisa Raffaelli, who earned Second Team All-Patriot League honors as a first-year in 2025.

Raffaelli started every game last season and posted a .275 batting average with six doubles, two triples, nine home runs, 26 RBIs, and 33 runs scored. Her nine home runs were tied for the team lead and ranked second in the Patriot League last season.

VETERAN CORE

The Raiders will turn to veteran leadership from senior pitchers Alexa Acker and Maya Servedio, who combined for 58 appearances, 41 starts, 12 complete games, and 221 innings pitched in the circle. The duo accounted for 12 wins during the 2025 season.

Sophomore Lily Haluska provided significant power in the middle of the lineup alongside Raffaelli. As a first-year, Haluska finished third on the team with six home runs and 25 RBIs, slashing .239 with a .410 on-base percentage across 53 games played.

Sophomores Mia Cascio and Mackenzie Lewis combined for 26 hits, eight doubles, five home runs, 18 runs scored, and 24 RBIs as impactful first-years. Junior Nora Megenity and sophomore Sydney Berg also serve as experienced returners on the 2026 squad. 

"We are fortunate to have a core group of returners leading the way," Lamison-Myers said. "We knew replacing key starters last year would come with a learning curve and are confident it will pay off this season having both Mia and Analisa leading our infield. 

"Someone who could be overlooked, but we are beyond thrilled to have back in our line up and playing center field for us is Nora Megenity. Her leadership this Fall along with her work ethic has jolted our team with positive energy and the want to be great. 

"With every new group, we will be prepared to learn and grow. Our season is fluid and if we can adapt, focus on the positive and study the negative, I truly believe the sky is the limit for this group."

SEVEN NEWCOMERS FOR 2026

Colgate welcomes seven first-years to the roster for the 2026 season, all aiming to make an immediate impact. The incoming class, representing five different states, includes pitchers Kelcie McGraw and Willow Edwards; utility players Izzy Ervin-Agudelo and Katie Niven; and infielders Marina Taveras, Kayla Martin, and Tealla Rivera.

PRESEASON POLL

Colgate was picked fifth in the Patriot League preseason poll with 17 points, just one point behind fourth-place Bucknell. Boston University, Army, and Lehigh were selected first, second, and third, respectively, in the poll voted on by the league's head coaches.

SCHEDULE OUTLOOK

The Raiders will play 55 games during the regular season, highlighted by three trips to Florida and a five-game tournament at Tarleton State. Early-season non-league action also includes trips to Penn State (March 7–8), Maryland Eastern Shore (March 17), and Drexel (March 18) prior to the start of Patriot League play.

Colgate's 18-game conference schedule opens with road series at Lehigh (March 21-22) and Holy Cross (March 28-29) before the Raiders host Army in their home-opening Patriot League series on April 4-5. Colgate will also welcome Boston University (April 11-12) and Bucknell (April 2-3) to Hamilton during league play.

"We have a packed schedule this season. We did this on purpose to try to get our first years as much game experience as possible to prepare for Patriot League play. We are excited to finally get out of the sub zero temps and get outside in the sunshine. It is challenging to play 80 percent of your games on the road but if any group can handle it, it is this one."

 
Print Friendly Version

Related Videos

Now Playing:

Related Stories