The 1986 MSSU softball team finished fourth in the NAIA World Series and went 44-13 overall. The team was coached by Pat Lipira.

The 1986 squad was a pitching powerhouse as many of Lipira's teams were. That Lions team holds the MSSU single season records for fewest earned runs allowed (30), lowest ERA (0.53) and lowest opponent batting average (.165). Renee (Livell) Heidger (MSSU HOF Class of 2000) was the first ever first-team All-American for the program in 1986 playing as a shortstop. She was also named to the All-CSIC and All-District 16 teams and was named the Lions outstanding defensive player of the year.

Pitcher Lana Baysinger and third basemen Kim House were named second-team NAIA All-Americans, while Kathy Howard was named to the NAIA National Tournament Team. The Lions went 4-2 at the NAIA World Series, falling to St. Mary's of Texas to finish fourth overall.