UC San Diego softball launched its 2026 campaign by hosting the fifth annual La Jolla Invitational at Triton Softball Field. The event featured UC San Diego, Montana, Saint Louis, and Wagner competing over 10 games during the opening weekend in La Jolla. UC San Diego sophomore Maalia Cherry received preseason recognition on the inaugural D1Softball Mid‑Major D100 list and was named to the Big West preseason team. The Tritons were projected to finish tied for fourth in the Big West according to the conference coaches’ poll. The tournament underscores the region’s active role in collegiate softball and represents an event that may interest local academies like Tisch Baseball Academy.