Softball team earns spot in Super Regional

UNG (49-9), ranked third nationally, will now host Francis Marion (47-11), ranked eighth nationally, from May 21-22 in a best-of-three Southeast Super Regional at Haines & Carolyn Hill Stadium in Dahlonega, Georgia. It is a rematch of the Nighthawks' Super Regional series victory in three games in 2025 in Florence, South Carolina.

The winner of this year's series advances to the NCAA Division II softball championship set for May 28-June 3 at Frost Stadium at Warner Park in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

"Having the opportunity to play a Super Regional at home is truly something that our team will never forget, especially with the support that our team has from our incredible fans and staff here at North Georgia," redshirt junior pitcher Caroline Conner said. "This is such a special group of girls, and I wouldn't want to be out on the field competing with anyone else. There is nothing like playing on our home field, and our team would love nothing more than to win the final games on our field to send us back to Chattanooga."

This is UNG's sixth consecutive Super Regional appearance, and the Nighthawks have a chance to earn a fifth NCAA championship berth in that span. Second-year head coach Brooke O'Hair is enjoying the journey with her team.

"Their toughness and consistency are impressive. Every time they've been challenged, whether it's during conference play or postseason pressure situations, they've put together runs that won them both the PBC regular-season and tournament championships. And they continue to play their best ball late in the season," O'Hair said. "This is a complete team. Our depth in the lineup and pitching is unmatched. We've had so many different people step up in big moments throughout this whole season. Lastly, and most importantly, our team members genuinely play for each other. A team like that is a team that can accomplish amazing things together."

Following its 8-7 loss to Lincoln Memorial in 12 innings May 14 in the Southeast Regional, UNG started its string of victories with a 9-2 triumph against Peach Belt Conference (PBC) rival Columbus State and a 6-4 win against Lincoln Memorial on May 15. That set up a pair of games with PBC foe Lander on May 16, with the Nighthawks tallying 15-6 and 5-0 victories to advance.

Chloe Poss tallied two pitching wins, with Conner and Lila Mullinax each also earning a pitching victory during the regional.

Kayla Berry, Carleigh Knowles, Morgan Martin, and Jenna Miles each had a three-hit game in the regional. Reaves slammed three home runs during the weekend.

NCAA Division II Southeast Super Regional: UNG vs. Francis Marion

Haines & Carolyn Hill Stadium, Dahlonega, Georgia

Game 1: 2 p.m. May 21

Game 2: Noon May 22

Game 3 (if necessary): 2:30 p.m. May 22