Returning veterans in the Bulldogs' outfield for 2026 include seniors Cate Lehner and Hailey Conger. Lehner is a two-time All-BIG EAST First Team selection who currently ranks on several of Butler's All-Time Career lists including: Hits: 2nd (191), Stolen Bases: 2nd (82), Runs: 7th (100). She also broke several of the program's single-season records in 2025 with a .438 batting average, 77 hits, 39 stolen bases, and 42 runs scored. Conger returns as a two-year starter who most often plays in center field. She has tallied 87 hits and 37 RBIs in her tenure, including 13 doubles and 13 stolen bases.
 
Additional veterans with experience – senior Emily Todor, juniors Erin Clark and Olivia Roberts, and sophomore Paxton Law – are all expected to compete for significant innings in the grass.
 
"When talking about a group…and the first two names out of my mouth are Cate and Hailey…that's a good place to be starting," exclaimed Butler head coach Scott Hall. "With great range and solid softball IQ, this group will be a strength of our defense." 
 
The Bulldogs will take the field for the first time on February 6 at the UNI-Dome Classic in Cedar Falls, Iowa.
 
"Opening weekend is always exciting and a challenge", added Hall. "This group will be ready to compete and will continually work towards playing our best softball when BIG EAST Conference play starts."