PORT ARTHUR, Texas – The Lamar State College Port Arthur softball team opens its 2026 season with four games at the Coastal Bend Round Robin that gets under way on Friday.

Coach Brittany Baker's squad is slated to meet Bossier Parish Community College at 12:30 p.m. Friday followed by a clash against Western Texas College at 3 p.m. On Saturday, the Seahawks take on Navarro College at 2 p.m. and Texas A&M Victoria at 4:30 p.m.

The Seahawks come off their most successful season in a while, going 23-23 in 2025. Baker is confident this year's squad will eclipse the .500 mark and be a force in the Region XIV Tournament set for May 13-16 in San Jacinto, Texas.

The LSCPA pitching staff is led by right-hander Kendall Hurt, who went 7-10 with one save and a 3.81 ERA over 106 2/3 innings as a freshman in 2025. Freshman right-handers Grace Hirst and Aubre Fuller will also see time in the circle.

Sophomore outfielder Quinn Zaragoza leads the returnees on offense. Zaragoza batted .315 with three home runs and 10 RBIs. She also stole 25 bases on 27 attempts. Baker looks for production from sophomore catcher/infielder Sierra Perez and infielder/outfielder Alyssa Lewis, a transfer from LSU-Eunice.

"I feel this program is headed in the right direction," Baker said. "We did a lot of good things last season, and I believe we can have a successful season."

The Seahawks' first home date is a Region XIV doubleheader against Kilgore College at 1 p.m. Feb. 25. Overall, the Seahawks are scheduled to have eight home doubleheaders this season.