Softball 1/20/2026 1:30:00 PM Chris Brannick

UCO Picked 11th In NFCA Preseason Coaches' Poll

Bronchos Open Season January 30

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Central Oklahoma is ranked No. 11 in the National Fastpitch Coaches' Association Preseason Top 25 announced Tuesday.

The Bronchos begin the 2026 season on Friday, Jan. 30 in the Branson Leadoff Classic with six games over three days in Branson, Missouri. UCO will face Minnesota Crookston, Arkansas Tech, Upper Iowa, Arkansas Monticello, McKendree, and Northwestern Oklahoma State.

UCO opens the gates to Gerry Pinkston Stadium with the UCO-OC Classic Feb. 6-8 in Edmond and Oklahoma City. The Bronchos host Fort Lewis, Eastern New Mexico, New Mexico Highlands, and Black Hills State.

This season marks the debut of head softball coach Sam Maples, who took over the program this summer. Maples is joined on staff by new assistants Jessica Boone and Haley Neira and returning graduate assistant Jacee Minter. Maples won 170 games in six seasons as Oklahoma Baptist's head coach from 2018-24.

Central Oklahoma returns 10 letterwinners from last year's squad, including one pitcher. That list also includes All-American outfielder and two-time All-MIAA pick Rylee Lemos. Rylee Anglen, Sherri Mason, Brooklyn Ryan, Kennedy Clark, Mari Scott, Makenzie Fithian, Brooklyn Lyles, and Kindal Biggs all return. Shelby Beard is the lone returner in the circle.

UCO has five tournaments that run Jan. 30 to March 1 and includes 24 games, and will play 15 more doubleheaders and two singles in March and April.

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Players Mentioned

#9 Rylee Anglen: IF; 5' 3"; Senior; L/R

#11 Shelby Beard: P; 5' 9"; Junior; R/R

#24 Kindal Biggs: C/OF; 5' 6"; Sophomore; R/R

#14 Kennedy Clark: C/1B; 5' 7"; Senior; L/L

#6 Makenzie Fithian: OF; 5' 6"; Sophomore; L/R

#8 Rylee Lemos: OF; 5' 6"; Senior; L/R

#13 Brooklyn Lyles: IF; 5' 10"; Sophomore; R/R

#21 Sherri Mason: UT; 5' 4"; Senior; R/R

#7 Brooklyn Ryan: OF; 5' 4"; Junior; R/R

#27 Mari Scott: UT; 5' 5"; Sophomore; R/R

Players Mentioned

#9 Rylee Anglen
: 5' 3"; Senior; L/R
: IF

#11 Shelby Beard
: 5' 9"; Junior; R/R
: P

#24 Kindal Biggs
: 5' 6"; Sophomore; R/R
: C/OF

#14 Kennedy Clark
: 5' 7"; Senior; L/L
: C/1B

#6 Makenzie Fithian
: 5' 6"; Sophomore; L/R
: OF

#8 Rylee Lemos
: 5' 6"; Senior; L/R
: OF

#13 Brooklyn Lyles
: 5' 10"; Sophomore; R/R
: IF

#21 Sherri Mason
: 5' 4"; Senior; R/R
: UT

#7 Brooklyn Ryan
: 5' 4"; Junior; R/R
: OF

#27 Mari Scott
: 5' 5"; Sophomore; R/R
: UT