WALESKA, Ga. – The University of Pikeville softball team finally got the 2026 season started, battling preseason AAC favorite Reinhardt University to 3-1 and 6-2 finals.
 
Freshman Ashlyn Dixon made the most of her collegiate debut, going 4 for 5 and scoring two runs on the day.
 
After two weather-related cancellations, the Bears were forced to open the season with conference competition. The results may not have gone in their favor, but they were at least promising against last year's regular season champions.
 
UPike will be back in action on Tuesday at 1 p.m. when Georgetown College comes to Paul Butcher Field for a doubleheader.
 
Eagles 3, Bears 1: UPike jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the top of the third inning when aDixon delivered a two-out single and then scored when catcher Dani Crum singled to center.
 
The Eagles evened the score in the bottom of the inning and then scored twice in the sixth on a home run by designated player Ansley Hight to pull out the win.
 
Dixon had two hits in her collegiate debut. Infielder Kaden Dunlap and pinch hitter Payton Rice both doubled for the Bears.
 
Brianna Johnsen pitched into the sixth for the Bears, allowing six hits and all three runs while striking out three and walking two. Chloe Calton pitched the final inning, striking out two.
 
Eagles 6, Bears 2: Reinhardt had a 3-0 lead before the Bears scored twice in the fifth to get back in the game. The Eagles then had two in the fifth and one in the sixth to pull out the win.
 
Again it was Dixon and Crum combining for the offense, as Dixon led off with a single and Crum followed with a two-run home run.
 
Dixon had two hits in the game. Olivia Metcalfe doubled, while shortstop Alexis Emery and left fielder Chloy Creech added singles.
 
Bryant pitched the first four innings and took the decision. She allowed three hits and three runs, two of them earned. Rylee Carter pitched the final two innings, allowing three runs and six hits.