IRVINE, Calif. – The Western Washington University softball team opened the 2026 season with a 3-2 record at the CUI Kickoff Classic, led by freshman pitcher Alanna Wirtala and sophomore right fielder EmmaJoy Wise being selected to the All-Tournament Team.

 

Wirtala, a true freshman from Puyallup, made three starts in the circle for the Vikings, going 2-1 with a 1.56 ERA. In her first collegiate appearance, Wirtala pitched into extra innings, only allowing one run pushing the Vikings to a 2-1 win over Chico State. Wirtala threw 18 innings over her three starts in the five-game tournament, allowing 14 hits, four earned runs, struck out 18 batters and held opponents to a .200 batting average.

 

Wise, sophomore transfer from Everett Community College, started in right field for all five CUI Kickoff Classic games. Wise batted .500 (6-for-12) with a .750 slugging percentage and .625 on-base percentage. Her six RBI led the Vikings, providing the go-ahead and game-winning RBI on a double in the 8th inning to beat Chico State 2-1. Wise also tallied three doubles, three runs scored and three walks across the entire tournament while posting a perfect fielding percentage in right field.

 

Here is a look at the complete All-Tournament Team from the CUI Kickoff Classic: