NFCA releases schedule for Leadoff Classic

The Red Raiders kick off the tournament Friday, February 12 against Jacksonville State at the Eddie C. Moore Complex, then take on Notre Dame that same day. Saturday brings matchups with Liberty and Northwestern, before Tech closes out the weekend February 14 against Virginia Tech and NC State. This marks the third straight season Tech has traveled to Clearwater for the Leadoff Classic.

The Red Raiders sit a combined 10-2 at the Eddie C. Moore Complex over the last two seasons, making this trip a proven early-season launching pad rather than a gamble. For Tech softball fans who follow the program from Lubbock, this gives a real look at how far out fall workouts translate into results against a mix of ACC, SEC-adjacent, and independent competition.

New for 2027, the tournament adds an "Elevate the Game Incentive" program, though full details on funding and structure hadn't been released as of the announcement.

Fans watching Taylor Pannell and the rest of the roster prep for spring won't see them at Rocky Johnson Field first. They'll see them in Florida, making the annual trip look less like tradition and more like strategy.