photo by: AP Photo/Colin E. Braley

Kansas pitcher Addison Purvis throws to a Kansas City batter during an NCAA college softball game on Tuesday, March 23, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo.

Spring remains a long way away, but the Kansas softball team’s return to action comes far sooner.

The Jayhawks took a step forward last season with a 25-27 overall record and a conference-tournament victory over Oklahoma State in their fifth year under head coach Jennifer McFalls. They will be back on the diamond for fall exhibitions beginning next Thursday, as they host Johnson County Community College at 5 p.m. at Arrocha Ballpark.

“I’m excited to see us compete this fall,” McFalls said in a press release earlier this month. “It’s a great opportunity to see different lineups together, evaluate talent and see players in different roles.”

The schedule continues with an in-state doubleheader at Wichita State on Sept. 24, followed by home matchups against an eclectic mix of nearby opponents: Central Missouri (Sept. 30), Missouri Western (Oct. 5), Ottawa (Oct. 12) and Butler Community College (Oct. 20). There is also an intrasquad scrimmage on Oct. 10.

KU returns prominent players from last season such as catcher Lyric Moore, utility player Olivia Bruno and pitchers Lizzy Ludwig and Addison Purvis. The athletic department gave McFalls a contract extension following the 2022 campaign, and Kaitlyn Slack also earned a promotion to a full assistant coach role after previously serving as a graduate and volunteer assistant.

Key losses to graduation include center fielder Shayna Espy and shortstop Haleigh Harper, but McFalls has added a four-woman freshman class of Abby Carsley, September Flanagan, Anna Soles and Kadence Stafford.

Two games for KU baseball

The Kansas baseball team announced Thursday that it has also scheduled a couple tune-ups for its season ahead, one against Oklahoma State in Stillwater, Oklahoma, on Oct. 14 and the other a week later at Hoglund Ballpark against Illinois State.

KU will enter its second year under coach Dan Fitzgerald.

“We are looking forward to competing against two great opponents this fall,” Fitzgerald said in a release. “I have great respect for both programs. Both Josh (Holliday) and Steve (Holm) are outstanding baseball guys and will have their teams ready to go.”