The 2026 season of Athletes Unlimited Softball (AUSL) launched with an electrifying triple-header, highlighted by a championship rematch and a historic grand slam that set an energetic tone for the year ahead.
Expansion teams wasted no time making their presence felt. The Spark, one of the new franchises, dominated the Texas Volts 13-5 in the opening game, fueled by an unforgettable grand slam from expansion draft pick Maya Brady. Her powerful hit to center field marked the first runs ever scored by the Spark. Following Brady’s milestone, Sydney Romero further extended the lead with a home run, effectively sealing the victory.
Later in the evening, the Carolina Blaze secured a 4-1 victory over the Portland Cascade in what was Portland’s inaugural AUSL game. Despite the loss, the home crowd found a reason to cheer when Portland’s shortstop Sis Bates notched the franchise’s first-ever hit and run, a promising sign for the new team’s future.
AUSL Championship Rematch Highlights Nightcap
The final game of the day featured a highly anticipated rematch between the defending champions, the Utah Talons, and the Texas Bandits. The Talons asserted their dominance early and maintained control throughout, securing a 5-2 victory.
Offensively, Bri Ellis stood out for Utah with a two-run homer and an additional RBI double, driving much of her team’s scoring. On the mound, Montana Fouts delivered a masterful complete game, limiting the Bandits to just two runs on scattered hits and effectively silencing their offense.