Portland State softball will play its first home games of the season at Hillsboro Ballpark, hosting North Dakota and Santa Clara in a series of matchups beginning March 20. The Vikings, who have played their first 24 games on the road, will face North Dakota in a doubleheader on Friday before taking on Santa Clara in a three-game set Sunday and Monday.
The opening weekend is significant as it marks Portland State’s debut at its new home field after being without an official venue since the 2024 season. Admission to all games at Hillsboro Ballpark is free for fans throughout the 2026 season. In celebration, Hillsboro Mayor Beach Pace will throw out Friday’s ceremonial first pitch, while Sunday’s doubleheader has been designated “Teri Mariani Day,” honoring the PSU hall-of-famer with a ceremonial pitch. Monday’s game will feature “Kids in the Ballpark” day, including giveaways and a postgame clinic for young players.
North Dakota enters the weekend with a 19-9 record and has won ten of its last eleven games. The Fighting Hawks are led by junior pitcher Tegan Livesay and freshman infielder Jayden Valdez. Santa Clara arrives with a 13-14 record and was picked first in the West Coast Conference preseason poll. Cairah Curran leads their offense, while pitchers Cari Ferguson and Ellison Schroeder anchor their staff.
The Vikings have shown improvement defensively this year, leading the Big Sky Conference with a .966 fielding percentage after finishing last season with a program-low .931 mark. Offensively, Grace Johnson leads Portland State with a .413 batting average and ten stolen bases without being caught this season. Freshman Mia Martinez has contributed thirteen runs batted in and four home runs.
Head coach Meadow McWhorter recently reached her 150th career win at Portland State earlier this season. The team features twelve returners and thirteen newcomers on its roster for 2026, including two multi-sport athletes who also play soccer for Portland State.
