Softball team earns PBC regular-season title
The University of North Georgia (Â鶹ÊÓƵ) softball team used a late-season surge to earn its 12th consecutive Peach Belt Conference (PBC) regular-season championship. Sweeps of Middle Georgia State and Augusta vaulted the Nighthawks from a game behind Columbus State entering the final two weekends of PBC play to two games clear of the Cougars.
Â鶹ÊÓƵ will host the eight-team, single-elimination PBC tournament from May 8-10 at Haines and Carolyn Hill Stadium in Dahlonega, Georgia, in search of its first league tournament title since 2023. The No. 1 seed Nighthawks open the conference tournament against No. 8 seed Flagler at 4 p.m. May 8.
The Nighthawks, who are ranked No. 7 nationally, are 42-8 overall and finished 22-5 in PBC play in head coach 's second season in Dahlonega. They were No. 1 in the most recent Southeast Regional rankings, putting them in prime position to host a four-team, double-elimination pod in the opening weekend of the NCAA tournament.
"Winning the PBC regular-season title shows consistency and toughness over the course of a long season. In the Peach Belt, you must earn it every day," O'Hair said. "This accomplishment reflects our players' commitment to each other. The way they play for each other and for this program makes this title very special. At the same time, we understand this is just one step. We're grateful for it, but our focus is still on continuing to improve and make a deep postseason run."
Senior pitcher and infielder leads Â鶹ÊÓƵ with 22 pitching victories, a 1.85 ERA and 138 strikeouts.
At the plate, paces the Nighthawks with a .453 batting average, 17 home runs and 67 RBI, with batting .400 and tallying a .381 average with 12 home runs and 53 RBI.
PBC softball tournament
May 8
Game 1: No. 2 Columbus State vs No. 7 Augusta, 11 a.m.
Game 2: No. 3 GCSU vs No. 6 USC Beaufort, 1:30 p.m.
Game 3: No. 1 North Georgia vs. No. 8 Flagler, 4 p.m.
Game 4: No. 4 Lander vs. No. 5 USC Aiken, 6:30 p.m.
May 9
Game 5: Game 1 winner vs. Game 2 winner, noon
Game 6: Game 3 winner vs. Game 4 winner, 2:30 p.m.
May 10
Game 7: PBC championship, Game 5 winner vs. Game 6 winner, noon
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