JACKSON, Miss. - With the 2026 Belhaven Softball season set to open tomorrow in a home doubleheader vs. LeTourneau, the Blazers enter the spring looking to build on last year's CCS Championship.

SEASON OUTLOOK
The 2026 season marks the 30th season of Belhaven softball and the 16th under the direction of head coach Kevin Griffin. The Blazers return six players from last year's squad that finished 32-9 overall and captured the program's second-ever Collegiate Conference of the South Championship. While Belhaven brings back a strong core of experience, the roster also features several new faces that are expected to make an immediate impact.

Anchoring the infield is third baseman Ellie Williamson, who returns after starting in 34 games last season. She hit .357 while recording 30 hits and driving in 37 runs. Lauren Dunbar also returns, adding 19 RBI and 14 extra-base hits from a season ago.

The outfield features a duo of proven production. Returning starter Reagan Bryan led the returning cast of Blazers with 49 hits and 43 runs scored a season ago.

The Blazers' pitching staff returns key innings in the circle, led by Macy Funderburk. The junior finished last season with a 2.00 ERA and a 17-4 record while making 22 starts. Macy Castleman also returns after logging 12 appearances last season.

PRESEASON RANKINGS
Belhaven opened the 2026 season receiving recognition in multiple preseason polls, including:
    •    Collegiate Conference of the South Preseason Poll: 2nd
    •    NFCA Division III Preseason Poll: 14th

NEWCOMERS TO WATCH
The Blazers welcome 19 newcomers that includes transfers and freshmen expected to contribute early.

Melissa Lopera, Shortstop, Junior
Hometown: New Orleans, Louisiana
Previous School: Hinds Community College 

Lopera hit .385 last season with Hinds en route to a Second Team All-MACCC honor. She hit .330 in two seasons with the Eagles, which included 88 hits in 89 career junior college games.

Maryanna Guy, Third Base / Catcher, Junior
Hometown: Brandon, Mississippi
Previous School: Longwood University

Guy is the lone NCAA Division I transfer on this year's squad, earning Big South All-Conference Second Team in two seasons. She hit .300 in 213 career at-bats, appearing in 95 games.

Liberty Gillihan, Outfielder, Junior
Hometown: McComb, Mississippi
Previous School: Southwest Mississippi Community College

Gillihan hit .325 with 18 extra base hits across 42 games for Southwest Mississippi Community College last season.

Kailin Parker, Utility, Junior
Hometown: Gulf Shores, Alabama
Previous School: Coastal Alabama South Community College

Parker started 100 games in two seasons with Coastal Alabama South Community College. She hit .326 with the Coyotes with 73 runs scored, 72 RBI and 44 extra base hits.

Maddie Bruner, Utility, Junior
Hometown: Brandon, Mississippi
Previous School: Hinds Community College 

Bruner hit .325 with nine home runs and 30 RBI in 37 games for Hinds Community College last season after spending the previous season with Copiah-Lincoln Community College. 

CCS OUTLOOK
Following a vote of the league's head coaches, Belhaven was picked to finish second in the 2026 Collegiate Conference of the South Preseason Poll. The Blazers will look to defend their CCS title against a conference field that includes last year's runner-up Huntingdon.

CCS Preseason Poll
    1.    Huntingdon College - 61 points (5)
    2.    Belhaven University - 59 points (3)
    3.    Piedmont University - 51 points (1)
    4.    Maryville College - 40 points
    5.    Asbury University - 36 points
    6.    LaGrange College - 29 points
    7.    Covenant College - 22 points
    8.    Agnes Scott College - 18 points
    9.    Wesleyan College - 8 points

ON THE SCHEDULE
Key dates on the Blazer schedule includes:
    •    Feb. 13 - at No. 9 East Texas Baptist (DH) - Marshall, TX
    •    Mar. 7 - vs. Trine - Columbus, GA
    •    Mar. 17 - vs. Illinois Wesleyan - Jackson, MS
    •    Apr. 3 - vs. Huntingdon - Jackson, MS

Make sure to tune in to the Blazers as they kick off their season at home tommorow vs. LeTourneau. You can catch the action on the stream here.

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