Salisbury, NC- Livingstone College softball opened the 2026 season with a doubleheader split against Allen University on Thursday evening at the Jaycee Optimist Sports Complex. The Blue Bears dropped Game 1 by a score of 13–4 before battling back to win Game 2, 3–2.

Game 1 Recap – Allen University 13, Livingstone College 4
Livingstone struck early in the bottom of the first inning when Aniyah Jones drove a ball into a fielder's choice that brought home Gerielle Hoye, tying the game at 1–1 after Allen opened the scoring in the top half.

Allen, however, broke the game open in the third inning with a six‑run surge highlighted by a double from Elissa Rich and several RBI singles that pushed their lead to 7–1. The Yellow Jackets continued their offensive pressure in the fourth inning, adding five more runs to extend the margin to 12–1.

The Blue Bears responded with a strong offensive burst at the bottom of the fourth. Hoye singled to bring in Jones, followed by an RBI single from Rylee Watson that scored Makaylah Sutton. Khala Porter then drove in Hoye on a fielder's choice, pulling Livingstone closer at 12–4.

Allen added one final run in the fifth on a steal of home, closing out the game 13–4.

Hoye led the Blue Bears offensively with two runs scored, while Watson, Porter, and Jones each recorded an RBI. Alyse Stokes also notched a double in the game. Defensively, Livingstone collected five hits and four stolen bases, showing positive signs despite the defeat.

Game 2 Recap – Livingstone College 3, Allen University 2

The Blue Bears bounced back in the nightcap, earning a gritty 3–2 victory to secure their first win of the season. Livingstone relied on stronger pitching, timely hitting, and improved defensive execution to hold off Allen's late push.

Full statistical details and play‑by‑play for Game 2 will be released once official stats are finalized.

The Lady Blue Bears will be back at home on Sunday, March 8, as they host Virginia Union University in a doubleheader at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.