FLORENCE, S.C. -- The Anderson University Softball Program ends their 2026 campaign at the NCAA Regional Tournament after suffering a heartbreaking 5-3 loss against 7-seed and fellow South Atlantic Conference opponent Carson-Newman (41-13).
The Trojans round out the season after going 38-15 overall and 17-5 in SAC play while boasting a 20-1 record at home.
After falling to No. 13 / 3-seed Lenoir-Rhyne in game one, the Black and Gold came ready to respond during game two. The Trojan's bats were hot early in the game with senior
Carson Hobbs (Nicholson, Ga.) doubling to right center for senior
Shelby Bandt (Ft. Valley, Ga.) to score. Anderson tallied two more runs in the top of the second after a single by sophomore
Chloe Maness (Belton, S.C.) for freshman
Bella Harbour (Murfreesboro, Tenn.) to round the bases. Maness followed behind on a throwing error by the Eagles for the Black and Gold's third and final run of the game.
Anderson held Carson-Newman scoreless for four innings until the Eagles rallied late, scoring a single run in the fifth before tallying four more in the bottom of the sixth. The Trojans were unable to respond and capitalize on scoring opportunities in the final inning.
Hobbs led the Trojans at bat after going 3-for-4 with a single RBI, tallying her 28th double of the season. Maness pushed the Trojans forward with a single RBI after going 1-for-3 at the plate with a single run added to Anderson's final tally. Pitching 5.1 innings for the Black and Gold was
Carson Hobbs (13-7). The Nicholson native recorded a single strikeout on the mound before senior
Katie Morris (Valley, Ala.) closed the game.
Despite the loss, the Trojans remained competitive throughout, finishing just three hits shy of their opponent while committing fewer errors.
Anderson's season comes to a close after a successful campaign highlighted by a memorable postseason run and an NCAA Regional appearance along with numerous standout performances throughout the year.
