Lander University

Softball 1/22/2026 10:50:00 AM Hailey Franklin - Assistant Sports Information Director

Bearcats Picked Seventh in PBC Softball Preseason Poll

AUGUSTA, Ga. - Lander was picked to finish seventh in the Peach Belt Conference softball preseason coaches poll released Thursday by the league office.

North Georgia claimed the top spot with 76 points and six first-place votes, edging Flagler, which finished second with 69 points and one first-place vote. Georgia College & State University was third with 62 points and two first-place votes, followed by Georgia Southwestern with 55 points and one first-place vote.

Softball Preseason Coaches Poll

RANK	TEAM	POINTS
1.	North Georgia (6)	76
2.	Flagler (1)	69
3.	Georgia College (2)	62
4.	Georgia Southwestern (1)	55
5.	Columbus State	49
6.	USC Aiken	44
7.	Lander	41
8.	USC Beaufort	26
9.	Augusta	19
10.	Middle Georgia	9

The Bearcats enter the 2026 season looking to build on a 25-25 (.500) finish in 2025, including an 11-12 mark in conference play. Lander advanced to the Peach Belt Conference Tournament semifinals before falling to top-seeded North Georgia to close the season.

Lander returns one of the most experienced and productive outfields in the Peach Belt Conference, led by senior Emily Allen, a 2025 PBC First Team All-Conference selection and D2CCA All-Region Second Team honoree. Junior outfielder Reagan Hill also returns after earning a spot on the PBC All-Tournament Team and Second Team All-Conference honors a season ago, while junior outfielder Samantha Bumgarner was a PBC Second Team All-Conference selection in 2025.

The Bearcats' lineup is bolstered by sophomore pitcher Paige Sherman and senior infielder Bella Angeli, both expected to play key roles this spring.

Lander also welcomes several impact newcomers, including catcher Isabella Santos, a junior transfer from Auburn University at Montgomery, and Ava Perkins, a junior utility player transferring from Lee University.

The Bearcats will open the 2026 season at home with a marquee doubleheader against No. 19 Lenoir-Rhyne, beginning at 1 p.m. at Doug Spears Field, with the second game to follow. The Bears were ranked No. 19 in the NFCA/GoRout Preseason Coaches Poll.

With a veteran roster and tested depth, Lander aims to climb the conference standings and make another postseason push in 2026.

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Players Mentioned

#9 Emily Allen: OF; 5' 6"; Senior

#22 Bella Angeli: INF; 5' 6"; Senior

#38 Samantha Bumgarner: OF; Junior

#26 Reagan Hill: OF; 5' 8"; Junior

#23 Paige Sherman: P; 5' 7"; Sophomore

#24 Ava Perkins: UTL; Junior

#7 Isabella Santos: C; Junior

Players Mentioned

#9 Emily Allen
: 5' 6"; Senior
: OF

#22 Bella Angeli
: 5' 6"; Senior
: INF

#38 Samantha Bumgarner
: Junior
: OF

#26 Reagan Hill
: 5' 8"; Junior
: OF

#23 Paige Sherman
: 5' 7"; Sophomore
: P

#24 Ava Perkins
: Junior
: UTL

#7 Isabella Santos
: Junior
: C