Jaguars claim first Peach Belt title since 1993 with gritty win over Georgia College

By Rodrigo Burgos Avila | Editor in chief

History was made on Sunday, March 8, as the Augusta University women’s basketball team captured the Peach Belt Conference Championship for the first time in more than three decades, defeating the Georgia College Bobcats 61–56 at the Lumpkin Center.

The victory marks Augusta’s first conference tournament title since 1993, ending a 33-year wait and sending the Jaguars into celebration as they secured the Peach Belt’s automatic bid to the NCAA Southeast Regional Tournament.

From the opening tip, Augusta established the defensive identity that has defined the team all season. The Jaguars forced turnovers, disrupted passing lanes and turned defense into offense, finishing the game with 13 steals.

Sa’Niah Dorsey led the defensive effort with six steals, repeatedly creating havoc for Georgia College’s offense and igniting key possessions for Augusta throughout the game.

Augusta controlled much of the contest, leading for more than 36 minutes and building a lead as large as 18 points. The Jaguars shot 42.9 percent from the field and held Georgia College to just 39.2 percent shooting.

Quinasia Abercrombie led the Jaguars offensively with 19 points on an efficient 8-of-13 shooting performance while also adding five rebounds. Abercrombie’s dominant performance capped off an outstanding tournament run that earned her Peach Belt Conference Tournament most valuable player honors.

Amari Jackson contributed 13 points and five rebounds, providing key scoring inside. Elyse Autrey added eight points, while Sierra Burns and Camerah Langston each chipped in seven and six points respectively.

Georgia College attempted to rally late, cutting the deficit to one point with just over three minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. But Augusta responded with composure, knocking down crucial free throws and defensive stops to seal the historic victory.

The Bobcats were led by Natalia Bolden and Caroline Beavin, who finished with 16 and 15 points, respectively.

The championship run caps a remarkable stretch for the Jaguars, who earlier in the tournament also stunned top-seeded Columbus State to reach the title game.

Several players from both teams were also recognized for their performances throughout the tournament. Augusta’s Elyse Autrey, Amari Jackson and Quinasia Abercrombie were named to the Peach Belt Conference All-Tournament Team. Georgia College’s Beavin and Bolden also earned All-Tournament honors after leading the Bobcats throughout the championship run.

Now, with the conference crown secured, Augusta turns its attention to the NCAA Division II postseason. The Jaguars will represent the Peach Belt Conference in the Southeast Regional Tournament, carrying momentum, confidence and a championship banner that has been more than three decades in the making.

For Augusta, the moment was more than just a win. It was history restored.

Contact Rodrigo Burgos Avila at rburgosavila@augusta.edu.