FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Warner University Softball opened the 2026 season in emphatic fashion Tuesday afternoon, sweeping the University of Fort Lauderdale in a dominant 2–0 series win with victories of 9–3 and 4–0.

Game 1 | Warner 9, Fort Lauderdale 3 (8 inn.)
The Royals wasted no time making their mark in 2026, pushing across the program's first run of the season in the top of the first inning. Warner held a slim 1–0 advantage deep into the game before adding two more runs in the top of the sixth to extend the lead to 3–0.

Fort Lauderdale refused to fold, battling back to even the score and force extra innings as regulation ended tied 3–3. In the top of the eighth, the Royals' offense erupted. Warner loaded the bases, and senior infielder Alisha Wagoner delivered the defining moment of the afternoon—launching a grand slam for her lone hit of the game, breaking the contest wide open and sealing the 9–3 victory.

Game 2 | Warner 4, Fort Lauderdale 0
The afternoon proved to be a pitching duel after the emotional opener, with neither side backing down. Sophomore right-hander Elle Hernandez anchored the Royals in the circle, earning her first collegiate win. Hernandez went the distance, tossing a complete-game shutout with three strikeouts, one walk, and just three hits allowed, showcasing poise and control throughout all seven innings.

Offensively, Warner stayed patient before striking when it mattered most. The Royals broke through in the top of the seventh inning, scoring all four runs while finishing the game with six total hits to close out the sweep.

With the two wins, Warner begins the 2026 campaign 2–0 and now turns its attention to the home opener. The Royals return to Daly Field on Saturday, February 7, to host the Bryan College Lions in a doubleheader slated for 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., as Warner looks to keep the momentum rolling in front of the home crowd.