Maryland (10-9)Â vs. Rutgers (9-9)
March 6-8, 2026
Maryland Softball Stadium
(3/6) 6:00 PM, (3/7)Â 2:00 PM, (3/8) 12:00 PM
B1G+
COLLEGE PARK, MDÂ - The University of Maryland softball team is set to open Big Ten Conference play at home against Rutgers in the Maryland Softball Stadium. The action kicks off on Friday at 6 p.m. Â
PROMOTION (MARCH 6) -Â COZY FOR A CAUSE:Â Join us at Maryland Softball Stadium for a night focused on mental health awareness, self-care, and community.Â
- Pajama Night:Â Fans are invited to wear pajamas and cozy attire, take a moment to slow down, and relax during a night dedicated to mental health awareness.
- Cozy Treats:Â Get to the game early for hot chocolate, cookies, and popcorn, and enjoy a cozy night at the Diamond
- Self-Care Giveaways:Â Visit the marketing table for stress balls, fidget toys, Mental Health Awareness ribbons, and mental health resource cards with campus and national support information.
- Care for Your Mind Stations:Â Explore mental wellness through interactive self-care activities, including coloring stations, affirmation boards, and other practices that promote relaxation and positivity.
- Mental Health Student Organization Spotlight:Â Student organizations centered around mental health awareness are invited to the game to share resources and information, promote peer support and campus involvement, and help reduce the stigma around mental health
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matchup preview
- Maryland softball opens Big Ten Conference play with a three-game series against Rutgers. The Terrapins trail 12-13 in the overall series and are 6-4 at home.
- These two teams last met in 2025, where the Terps secured an 11-7 win. The game was tied at seven apiece in the fifth inning, but Sammi Woods scored the go-ahead run on a passed ball. Maryland then added runs in the sixth with Lewis' second two-run home run of the game and a sacrifice fly from Bailey Murphy that scored Gracie Wilson.
- In head coach Lauren Karn's first two years leading the Terps, she compiled a 42-61 overall record while coaching two All-Big Ten selections and earning three victories over Top-25 opponents.
- Maryland will host the 2026 Big Ten Softball Tournament at the Maryland Softball Stadium, May 6-9. This will be the first year College Park will host the Big Ten Softball Tournament. Maryland's last win in the Tournament was in 2024, where the No. 10 ranked Terrapins upset No. 7 Penn State, 3-1 in nine innings.
Terrapin invitational
- The Terps went a perfect 4-0 in the Terrapin Invitational. Mariah Penta (.615) and Sammi Woods (.571) led the Terps with eight hits each.Â
- Anna Mcgowan hit four home runs through the weekend, including one grand slam against Providence. She finished with five hits and 11 RBI, scoring five runs. She had an impressive 1.385 slugging percentage.
- Matti Benson recorded her first two home runs of the season, and Mariah Penta recorded her first home run as a Terp in the Terrapin Invitational.
- Lauren Caye recorded her first triple as a Terp against Syracuse (2/27), and Gracie Wilson recorded her first-career triple against UMBC (3/1).
Record book performance
- The 2026 Terps have etched their name in the record book, recording 18 hits against Providence (2/28), placing them fifth all-time for hits as a team in a single game.
- Anna McGowan is tied for second in Maryland Softball history for RBIs in a single game, recording six against Providence (2/28).
- Maryland also recorded four home runs in the 8-1 win against Fairfield (2/28), which ties for third all-time in the record book for home runs in a single game.
Players to watch
- Kiera Bucher, Sammi Woods, and Bailey Murphy were named to the Big Ten Players to Watch List for 2026.
- Woods leads the Terps with 27 hits including one double. She has started in all 19 games for Maryland so far this season
- Zayda Rocke and Elisea Wiegand were named to the Softball America Freshman to Watch List
- Rocke has started all 19 games this season as the catcher. She is second on the team in home runs (4)
- Wiegand is second on the team in the circle with a 2.46 ERA. She has a 3-1 record and has recorded 25 strikeouts
