Indiana Softball Dominated Indiana Tech in Exhibition
The Hoosiers secured a 15-1 victory during their fall exhibition match at Andy Mohr Field.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Softball
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Indiana University defeated Indiana Tech 15-1 in a 10-inning fall exhibition game held in Bloomington. The team showcased offensive depth, led by multiple home runs and consistent hitting throughout the contest.
Why it matters
This exhibition serves as a key preparation period for Indiana as the team integrates its roster and tests various pitching combinations. The game allows the coaching staff to evaluate player performance and strategy ahead of the upcoming spring competitive season.
The Hoosiers utilized four pitchers, including Ella Troutt, Brooke Mannon, Leah Helton, and Taylor Hess, to cover the 10 innings. Offensively, Josie Bird provided power with two solo home runs, while Alex Cooper contributed with a home run, a triple, and a single.
The players
Josie Bird
An Indiana University softball player who recorded 15 home runs and 66 RBIs during the 2026 regular season.
Alex Cooper
An Indiana University softball player who demonstrated offensive versatility with a triple, a home run, and a single in the exhibition.
The details
Indiana rotated through multiple lineups and pitchers to maximize game experience across the squad. The offense relied on a mix of extra-base hits and sacrifice plays to build the 15-1 lead over Indiana Tech, which scored its only run in the third inning.
Timeline
The fall exhibition game took place on September 20, 2026.
Indiana is scheduled to play the University of Louisville on September 24, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This exhibition game is part of a seven-game fall schedule that serves as the foundation for Indiana University’s upcoming spring campaign. These games are critical for establishing team chemistry and determining the hierarchy of the pitching rotation for the regular season.
Josie Bird enters the next phase of the fall schedule building on a .355 batting average from the 2026 regular season. The team's ability to rotate four pitchers suggests a flexible defensive strategy as they prepare for the matchup against Louisville.
The takeaway
Fall exhibition games provide a necessary laboratory for coaches to test new player combinations and strategies without the pressure of conference standings. Fans should monitor these early results as indicators of which players may secure starting roles in the spring.
What happens next
Indiana University will face the University of Louisville on September 24, 2026.
Further reading
For more updates on the team's fall progress, visit the Softball section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by COLUMN: 'I Love Boosters' features wacky surrealist visuals and hilarious comedy - Indiana Daily Student.
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