After retaining just two pitchers from its 2025 roster, Indiana softball brought in four new arms, including one freshman and three transfers, during the offseason.
“Yeah, this is actually the first year I've had so many new pitchers, so it was a challenge for me, but I think it's great to always kind of change up what you're doing,” senior catcher Avery Parker said during an open practice Feb. 2.
But that lack of continuity and experience in the Hoosiers’ new-look pitching staff contributed to two losses at the Littlewood Invitational in Tempe, Arizona, over the weekend.
The Hoosiers went 3-2 in the invitational after their pitching staff conceded late-inning runs.
One of the Hoosiers’ new additions was junior pitcher Brooke Mannon. She entered in relief in the fifth inning of Indiana’s season opener against Florida Atlantic University on Feb. 5, when the Hoosiers were on the brink of a shutout run-rule loss.
The Owls picked up a two-run double off Mannon in the fifth inning, notching an 8-0 run-rule win over Indiana to kick off the Paradise Classic in Boca Raton, Florida.
The Hoosiers bounced back following the loss against Florida Atlantic, allowing just seven runs the rest of the classic and winning out their final four games.
However, the Littlewood Invitational proved to be a different story for Indiana.
The Hoosiers’ offense took the spotlight during their first contest of the invitational against Portland State University on Thursday, scoring 23 runs –– the program’s most in a single game since 2017.
While Indiana’s bats were loud against Portland State, the Vikings’ were quiet.
The Hoosiers shut out Portland State, notching a dominant 23-0 victory, supported by a commanding outing in the circle.
Sophomore pitcher Ella Troutt started in the circle for the Hoosiers. Troutt, who transferred to Indiana in the offseason from the University of Georgia, previously struggled during the Paradise Classic, allowing five runs through two appearances on Feb. 5 and 7.
However, Troutt delivered an improved performance to kick off the Littlewood Invitational, giving up just one hit across four innings with three strikeouts.
Following a decisive outing against Portland State, the Hoosiers faced a stout test against then-No. 22 Arizona State University in their second leg of a doubleheader Thursday. Indiana’s pitching unit already had success against a ranked opponent in 2026, holding then-No. 25 Ohio State to just three runs Feb. 6.
The Cream and Crimson shut out the Sun Devils through the first four innings. But Indiana collapsed in the circle late and walked six Arizona State batters in the game. The Sun Devils combined for seven runs in the fifth and sixth innings, including a go-ahead three-run home run in the sixth frame to secure a 7-6 victory.
Like it did after its loss to Florida Atlantic, Indiana rebounded in the circle against Pacific University on Friday. Indiana sophomore pitcher Jasmine Reyes held Pacific scoreless, tossing three strikeouts across four innings and securing the victory for the Hoosiers.
Indiana closed the Littlewood Invitational with back-to-back contests against the University of Nevada, Reno. In both matchups, the Cream and Crimson surrendered late-inning runs.
In the first matchup Saturday, redshirt junior pitcher Taylor Hess allowed one earned run across 4.2 innings. Indiana held a 6-1 advantage entering the seventh inning behind Hess’ efforts. Nevada staged a late comeback attempt in the final frame, scoring two runs, before Troutt forced a game-ending double play.
The second matchup between the two programs Sunday favored Nevada early. The Wolf Pack scored two runs against Indiana freshman pitcher Aubree Hooks across the initial two frames. The Hoosiers knotted the game at two, but Nevada scored two more runs –– one off a fielding error and a solo home run in the sixth inning.
Indiana dropped the second matchup 4-2. While the Hoosiers’ pitching staff allowed just three earned runs in each game against Nevada, they gave up runs in crucial spots and allowed a combined 14 hits.
Indiana’s pitching staff has shown it can dominate in 2026, but as the new-look group continues to build chemistry, inconsistencies remain.
Follow reporters Conor Banks (@Conorbanks06 and conbanks@iu.edu) and Joe Elms (@JoeElms1 and @jpelms@iu.edu) for updates throughout the Indiana softball season.
