Softball Releases 2027 Schedule

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - - Belmont Softball head coach Laura Matthews released the program's 2027 schedule Friday.
 
The two-time defending Missouri Valley Conference champions boast a loaded schedule featuring major conference programs and destination non-conference tournaments.
 
Belmont, which finished the 2026 campaign ranked No. 35 nationally in the NCAA RPI, is one of only three programs outside the A4 to win NCAA Tournament games each of the last two seasons (Grand Canyon, South Florida).
 
Unquestionably the most challenging and ambitious schedule in program history, Belmont will play eight games against Top 50 competition. Moreover, based on the composition of non-conference tournament fields, the Bruins could play up to 28 games against teams in the Top 125 of the 2026 NCAA RPI.
 
"We have undeniable momentum. There has never been a greater time to be a part of Belmont Softball," Matthews said. "The past two seasons have raised the bar for what is possible for our program. We want to harness and seize that momentum this year and beyond. The Missouri Valley Conference cares about softball, and has teams, coaches, and athletes who value success at the highest level. We are excited to be a part of that and know the standard required to be of championship standing in this league."
 
Belmont opens the season Feb. 12-14 in a weekend tournament hosted by South Alabama. The Jaguars won the 2026 Sun Belt Conference Tournament and played in the NCAA Tournament Baton Rouge regional. Past tournament participants include Notre Dame, Jacksonville State, and UAB.
 
From there, the Bruins head to southwest Florida to take part in the FGCU Invitational. The Eagles are annually among the top teams in the Atlantic Sun Conference. Last season, programs including Louisville, Wisconsin, Kansas, UConn, Florida Atlantic, ULM, and Charlotte made their way to Fort Myers.
 
Belmont closes the month of February hosting its own event at E.S. Rose Park. The Bruins will welcome Western Michigan, Loyola Chicago, and NKU to Nashville Feb. 26-28. The Norse won the Horizon League championship and played in the NCAA Tournament Knoxville regional while the Broncos advanced to the MAC Tournament championship game.
 
March begins with a home date against perennial contender North Texas of the American Conference. Then series against Big Ten Conference powers Purdue and Michigan March 5-9. The Wolverines reached the NCAA Tournament Norman regional final.
 
Conference play opens March 12 vs. Valparaiso. Following home dates with Lipscomb, Southern Illinois, and Bradley, the Bruins will face national power Tennessee Apr. 13 in Columbia, Tennessee. The Lady Vols reached the semifinals of the 2026 Women's College World Series.
 
Belmont played an unforgettable game at Tennessee during the 2026 season, dropping a 1-0 decision in Knoxville while Tennessee was ranked No. 1 nationally.
 
The Bruins host Northern Iowa to close MVC play before a trip to Atlanta May 7-8 to face Georgia Tech. The Yellow Jackets reached the NCAA Tournament Gainesville regional final.
 
Belmont will host the 2027 Missouri Valley Conference Softball Championship May 12-15 at E.S. Rose Park.
 
Under Matthews' leadership, Belmont ranks among national leaders with 82 victories over the last two seasons. The Bruins have eight A4 victories during her tenure, including wins over Georgia, Mississippi State, Purdue, Maryland (2), Arizona State, Illinois, Boston College.
 
Belmont returns All-MVC players Rylee Spindler and Maddie Balsiger.
 
2026 NFCA/Portolite National Pitcher of the Year and two-time NCAA All-American Maya Johnson also returns as a member of the Bruin coaching staff.
 
Follow Belmont softball on social media - @BelmontSoftball on Twitter, @belmontsoftball on Instagram and Belmont Bruins Softball on Facebook - for complete coverage of the Bruins. Stay up to date with all of Belmont's athletic programs via the official app of the Belmont Bruins, available both in the Apple App Store and on Google Play.