RALEIGH, NC – The College of Staten Island softball team opens its 2026 season Friday afternoon with a pair of games in Raleigh, beginning with Frostburg State University and Chowan University. The Dolphins were scheduled to kick off their season Friday evening, but inclement weather in North Carolina halted all game play until Saturday afternoon. 

The Dolphins are making their first appearance at the D2 Triangle Classic, which celebrates its 18th annual tournament this year. CSI will also be looking to secure its first victory under new head coach Mark Biancoviso.

CSI Meets Both Teams For First Time

The Dolphins will be meeting with Frostburg State and Chowan University for the first time in program history on Saturday. Both the Dolphins and Bobcats have yet to find a break in the weather to start their season, but Chowan is currently sitting with a 5-3 record after wins over Felician, Kutztown, Flagler, Valdosta State, Elizabeth City State, and Shaw. 

Kennedie Ruth Tabbed ECC Preseason Co-Pitcher of the Year

Since joining the Dolphins as a sophomore, Ruth has been a staple at the top of CSI's pitching staff. She led the team with a 3.77 ERA across 122.2 innings pitched while recording 58 strikeouts. In 2025, Ruth elevated her performance, posting a career-best 3.41 ERA over 86.1 innings with a 7-8 record and 70 strikeouts. She ranked among the top five pitchers in the ECC in ERA, lowest opposing batting average (.260), and fewest runs allowed (53). Additionally, she finished the season ranked in the top 10 in the conference in strikeouts, batters struck out looking, and wins.

2026 CSI Softball Preview

The College of Staten Island softball team is ready to kick off their 2026 season against Chestnut Hill College at the CSI Softball Complex, which has been redesigned as an all-turf field. Last season, the Dolphins finished 19-21 overall and 7-13 in ECC play where they fell one win shy of their first ever ECC postseason berth after splitting with D'Youville on Apr. 27. The 2025 season was their best overall performance since entering Division II with 19 wins, but they stayed stagnant in conference play with their seven wins. The Dolphins this season are under new management with Mark Biancoviso being named the 10th head coach of the CSI Softball program when he arrived in January 2026. He brings forth decades of experience coaching softball through youth to the collegiate levels, and he is going to be joined this season by Michael Kaffl, Tom Reno, Alyssa Polemeni, Gianna DeCesare, and Robert Santiago.