Preseason action among the diamond sports

By Davis T. Harley | Sports writer

The fall season is underway for both the softball and baseball teams at Augusta University. The softball team is looking to improve after finishing last season with a 29-27 record and a .518 winning percentage. The baseball team, meanwhile, looks to turn the page after a forgettable 13-40 season that included only six wins at the newly renovated Jaguar Field.

Softball

So far this fall, Augusta University softball has played three games, including one against Division I Georgia Southern, where the Jaguars suffered a 12-3 loss. The Jaguars also faced Winthrop, losing 2-0, and Winston-Salem State, earning their lone preseason win so far with a 6-3 victory.

Across their three fall games, many have been impressed by the pitching staff and rotation, though there is still room for growth. Defensively, the team has been strong, but errors proved costly in the loss to Georgia Southern, extending a few innings longer than they should have. At the plate, the Jaguars have shown promise putting the ball in play with several solid hits. The team will continue refining these areas as they prepare for the 2026 season.

Head coach Melissa Brocato shared her thoughts on the new additions to the team and what the fall season reveals.

“We play fall games so we can get an idea of how our newcomers will be, if what we think is going to work will work, or if we need to move some people to different positions. I like getting the chance to play Division I schools in the fall because it gives us a chance to play tougher competition, like what we may see in the Peach Belt,” Brocato said.

Baseball

The Augusta baseball team opened its fall season with a pair of scrimmages against Gordon State College at Jaguar Field, giving fans a look at several new players, including recruits, transfers and those who didn’t see much playing time last season. The Jags also held walk-on tryouts earlier this fall. After a lackluster season, assembling the right pieces is key to turning things around.

As preseason action continues, the Jaguars will host and travel for additional scrimmages to further develop the roster. Expect several up-and-coming newcomers to make an impact as Augusta prepares for the 2026 season.

Contact Davis T. Harley at dharley@augusta.edu.

Note: At the top of the page, the baseball team is shown during a scrimmage. (photo by Davis T. Harley/the Bell Ringer)