Athletes Unlimited Softball (AUSL) opened its second season with a pro softball triple-header that set the tone for 2026. Expansion teams made their mark, offenses came alive early, and the defending champions picked up right where they left off.
AUSL Expansion Teams Make Their Scoring Debut
The Spark routed the Texas Volts 13-5 in the day's first game. Expansion draft pick Maya Brady delivered the biggest moment, launching a grand slam to center field to log the Spark's first-ever runs as a franchise. Following Brady's heroics, Sydney Romero added a follow-up home run to put the game out of reach.
Later that evening, the Carolina Blaze handed the Portland Cascade a 4-1 loss in Portland's debut. Still, Cascade shortstop Sis Bates gave the hometown crowd something to cheer for, recording the first hit and run in franchise history.
Montana Fouts Silences Bandits in AUSL Championship Rematch
The night's marquee event paired the defending champion Utah Talons against the Texas Bandits. The AUSL championship rematch saw the Talons control the game early, coming away with a 5-2 win.
Bri Ellis carried the Utah offense with a two-run homer and RBI double. Meanwhile, in the circle, Montana Fouts matched her by throwing a complete game and holding the Bandits to just two runs on scattered hits.
With the expanded AUSL looking deeper than ever, the 2026 season looks to be the most competitive yet.
AUSL Schedule: Where to Watch This Week's Games
Next up, the Volts will take on the Spark on Wednesday at 6 PM ET, live on MLB.TV.
The Portland Cascade follows, looking to bounce back against the Blaze at 8 PM ET (ESPN2), before the Bandits shoot for a win against the Talons at 10 PM ET (ESPNU).
