Softball team wins PBC regular-season title

The Nighthawks, who are ranked No. 7 nationally, are 42-8 overall and finished 22-5 in PBC play in head coach Brooke O'Hair'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 Chloe Poss leads UNG with 22 pitching victories, a 1.85 ERA and 138 strikeouts.

At the plate, Sydnee Reaves paces the Nighthawks with a .453 batting average, 17 home runs and 67 RBI, with Kayla Berry batting .400 and Morgan Martin 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