The Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC) Hawks softball team will begin an important stretch of its 2026 season when it travels to North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, to compete in the Fastpitch Dreams Classic from March 14 through March 21.

During the trip, the Hawks will play eight games over five days. The event will give MVCC an early-season opportunity to compete against teams from across the country while continuing to develop the team's identity.

The trip follows several weeks of preseason preparation that began with the team's first practice in January. During preseason training, the Hawks focused on building team culture, improving communication, and developing mental toughness. The coaching staff has also emphasized defensive fundamentals and offensive execution. The games in Myrtle Beach will provide the first extended opportunity for the team to apply that preparation in competition.

Four returning players are expected to play key leadership roles during the trip.

• Kaylee Beam, an All-Region pitcher, returns to lead the Hawks pitching staff. Last season she recorded a 3.19 earned run average (ERA) and 84 strikeouts, while also contributing offensively with a .347 slugging percentage.

• Scout Ludwig, an All-Conference shortstop, returns as one of the team's top hitters. She finished last season with a .681 slugging percentage, 35 RBIs, 14 doubles, and four home runs.

• Kyla Zabek adds experience in the pitching rotation after posting a 4.36 ERA last season.

• Bella Kleban returns to the outfield after her 2025 season ended early due to injury. Before the injury, the center fielder and leadoff hitter was batting .405 and had scored 17 runs on 16 hits.

The Hawks roster also includes ten freshman players who will compete for playing time. Throughout preseason workouts, the group has shown strong effort and competitiveness. The Myrtle Beach trip will give the coaching staff an opportunity to evaluate player roles, batting lineups, and defensive combinations.

MVCC will face several opponents during the tournament. The schedule includes:

• March 15: Madison College and Lackawanna College

• March 16: St. Charles Community College and South Suburban College

• March 18: Wake Technical Community College and Morton College

• March 19: Metropolitan Community College and Oakton College

The schedule will test the team's depth and endurance early in the season.

The Hawks finished the 2025 season with a 16–16 record and advanced to the regional semifinals, continuing the program's recent progress. With experienced returning players and a motivated freshman class, MVCC enters the 2026 season focused on continued improvement and long-term program growth.