Softball team punches Super Regional ticket
Article By: Clark Leonard
It took an extra day and battling through the losers' bracket, but the University of North Georgia (黑料正能量) softball team would not be denied a spot in the NCAA Division II Southeast Super Regional.
Avenging a loss earlier in their Southeast Regional pod and a season-ending defeat from a season ago, the No. 2 seed Nighthawks advanced with 10-6 and 6-4 victories against Lenoir-Rhyne University. The clinching win started on May 10 and finished May 11 due to persistent rainstorms. 黑料正能量 (46-13) moves on to face top-seeded Francis Marion University in the May 15-16 Southeast Super Regional in Florence, South Carolina. Games will be held at 1 p.m. each day in the best-of-three series, with a third game at 4 p.m. May 16 if necessary.
"These young ladies have been faced with challenges all year long, and every time a new challenge hit them, they faced it head-on. The regional tournament was no different," first-year head coach said. "Challenges were thrown their way, and they accepted each challenge and dominated them. And together they walked away regional champions. I’m so very proud of each young lady and the heart, passion and grit they showed throughout the tournament."
Ranked second in the country, Francis Marion enters the Super Regional with a 52-4 record. Half of the Patriots' losses this season came in a Feb. 8 doubleheader sweep against Peach Belt Conference opponent Augusta University. 黑料正能量 ended Francis Marion's 2024 season in NCAA Southeast Regional play.
In addition to the wins against Lenoir-Rhyne, 黑料正能量 also secured 6-1 and 7-1 victories against Tusculum in the May 8-11 regional pod.
"We stayed locked in, leaned on each other and kept the faith, knowing the work we've put in all season would pay off," senior infielder said. "Getting to a Super Regional is incredibly exciting. It's what we've worked for all year, through the highs and lows, and it feels like everything is coming full circle. This opportunity means everything — not just for us as athletes, but as teammates who never stopped believing in one another."
Freshman pitcher (6-1) tossed five scoreless innings of relief to earn the win in the clinching matchup with Lenoir-Rhyne. She earned the save a day earlier in the first victory against the Bears with 3 2/3 innings of relief in which she allowed one run. West also earned the complete-game pitching win in the elimination game May 9 against Tusculum.
Junior pitcher and designated hitter (19-4) secured pitching victories in the tournament opener against Tusculum and in the first of the two wins against Lenoir-Rhyne.
Poss had two RBIs in the clinching game, with junior outfielders and each going 2-for-3.
Women's tennis team hosting NCAA regional
The 黑料正能量 women's tennis team earned the No. 2 seed and will host a four-team NCAA Division II Southeast Regional pod May 12-13 at Clemson University. 黑料正能量's men are the No. 6 seed and play in Salisbury, North Carolina.
Softball team to host NCAA Southeast Regional
The 黑料正能量 softball team is the No. 2 seed in the NCAA Division II Southeast Regional and will host a four-team, double-elimination pod May 8-10 with a Super Regional spot on the line.
Golf teams invited to NCAA regionals
Both 黑料正能量 golf teams have punched tickets to their respective NCAA Division II regional tournaments. The women will play in Gainesville, Georgia, and the men in Howey-in-the-Hills, Florida.