Softball | January 25, 2024

AUGUSTA, Ga. – The University of South Carolina Aiken softball team has been selected seventh in the PBC Preseason Poll, as selected by the league coaches.

Head coach Jaclin Poole's team received 27 points in the poll. North Georgia was tabbed first while Columbus State and Georgia Southwestern were second and third, respectively. Lander, Flagler and Georgia College & State were ahead of the Pacers while Augusta and USC Beaufort rounded out the rankings.

USC Aiken returns eight upperclassmen, including a trio of seniors with an abundance of experience. 

The Pacers are coming off a 20-win campaign in 2023. During the PBC Tournament as the No. 7 seed, Poole's team knocked off No. 2 North Georgia 5-3 in the first game of the double-elimination tournament. 

Preseason Coaches Poll
1. North Georgia 64
2. Columbus State 54
3. Georgia Southwestern 51
4. Lander 45
5. Flagler 31
6. GCSU 28
7. USC Aiken 27
8. Augusta 16
9. USC Beaufort 8

Preseason All-Conference
1b - Jessica Owens, GCSU
2b - Zoe Willis, GSW
3b - Bailee Roberts, Augusta
SS - Lacey Rutledge, GSW
C - Gracie Derrick, Lander
OF - Sydney Blair, North Georgia
OF - Jolie Lester, North Georgia
OF - Mariah Wicker, North Georgia
UT - Sophie Mooney, North Georgia
P - Kristen Davis, North Georgia