The Oswego State softball team is making history in the 2026 season, continuing with a perfect 12-0 record and 6-0 in SUNYAC play, marking the best start in program history.

After years of highs and lows, the Lakers found their consistency. Oswego State has taken a major step this season under the coaching era of Grace Van Horn, combining dominant pitching, explosive offense and depth across the lineup to establish the team as one of the top teams in the conference.

That consistency has translated directly onto the field, where Oswego State has found ways to win in different situations, whether playing from a lead or responding under pressure. Van Horn said the team’s approach has been the foundation for the early success.

“It feels really good,” Van Horn said. “We’ve been putting in a lot of hard work. We’ve been showing up and having intention with every rep that we take and it’s definitely showing on the field.”

The Lakers have been led not only by the great round roster but also by standout performances early in the season, especially from outfielder Kira Wright from Stormville, New York, who has been one of the most productive hitters in the SUNYAC. Wright currently leads the conference in batting average at .514 and in triples with four, while earning SUNYAC Softball Athlete of the Week honors.

“Feels great,” Wright said. “It feels like all the hard work we’ve put in is finally coming to fruition.”

Another student who has been standing out is freshman pitcher Alyssa Budzinski of Williamsville, New York, who has been just as important to Oswego State’s success. Budzinski holds a 1.04 ERA, which leads the SUNYAC. She has also totaled 65 strikeouts this season, including 26 in a single week that earned her SUNYAC Pitcher of the Week recognition.

The program’s best start in history came after a SUNYAC doubleheader sweep against SUNY Potsdam, where Oswego State improved to 12-0 overall and 6-0 in conference play with 9-3 and 6-2 victories.

Over 12 games, Oswego has shown the ability to stay focused regardless of the situation. That composure is one of the biggest differences from past seasons, when stretches of inconsistency often limited the team’s potential.

While the current run already stands out on its own, it becomes even more impressive when viewed in the context of the program’s history. 

The previous record for consecutive wins in a single season was 11, set in 1980. With 12 straight victories to begin 2026, Oswego State has already surpassed that mark as well, further emphasizing how historic this stretch has been.

Oswego State has reached the SUNYAC Championship in recent years, including 2017, 2018 and 2019, showing that the program has been competitive at a high level. However, none of those seasons started with this level of consistency and control from the opening games. In more recent years, the Lakers have struggled to find those games.

That is what separates this year’s team. Instead of building momentum later in the season, the Lakers have established it right away, setting the tone from the first pitch of the year.

The Lakers had to cancel many games at home due to the climate in Oswego, but now hold an 8-0 record at home, while going 4-0 on the road, showing their ability to perform in different environments.

Now, the Lakers are in the middle of one of the most demanding stretches of their season, with multiple doubleheaders packed into a short time. However, the weather is still impacting the schedule.

The Lakers’ doubleheader at Clarkson University has been pushed back one day to April 15, while their home matchup against SUNY Brockport has been rescheduled to April 28. Despite the adjustments, Oswego State continues to navigate a condensed schedule that will test the team’s depth and consistency moving forward.

Van Horn acknowledged the challenge ahead, but emphasized the team’s preparation.

“It’s definitely a challenge, but I don’t think it’s too much for us,” Van Horn said. “We practice with high intensity, so game-like reps are natural for us. We just have to take each minute of the game at a time and I think we’ll come out on top.”

Wright also pointed to the team’s readiness for the challenge of being prepared. “I think we’re well prepared,” Wright said. “With all the weather and cancellations, we’re ready to play whatever.”

With a perfect 12-0 start, a program record already secured and momentum continuing to build, the Lakers have positioned themselves as a serious contender in the SUNYAC as the season progresses.