The No. 11 University of North Georgia (UNG) softball team has clinched a spot in the 2025 NCAA Softball Championship after defeating No. 2 Francis Marion (FMU) 5-3 in the final game of the NCAA Southeast Super Regional on Friday in Florence, South Carolina. This marks the Nighthawks’ fourth appearance in the national championship tournament in the past five years.
The victory, secured in a rematch of last season’s Southeast Regional elimination game, earned UNG their ninth regional title in program history. It also marks the first time head coach Brooke O’Hair has led a team to a regional championship title in her career. O’Hair, who took over the program in the fall of 2024, has led the Nighthawks to a remarkable season, exceeding expectations and reaching the national stage once again.
The Nighthawks are now headed to Chattanooga, Tenn., where they will compete in the NCAA DII Softball Championships from May 22 to 28 at Frost Stadium. UNG will return to the site of its second National Championship two seasons ago.
Rallied to win it
UNG’s journey to Chattanooga was not without challenges. After losing the Peach Belt Conference Tournament Championship and suffering a defeat to Lenoir-Rhyne in the second game of the Southeast Regional, the Nighthawks faced elimination. However, they rallied with three consecutive wins, including two against Lenoir-Rhyne, to advance to the Super Regional.
The Nighthawks faced a formidable opponent in FMU, who boasted a 52-4 record and had won 30 of their last 31 games. Despite trailing 1-0 early in the game, UNG fought back with a four-run fifth inning, fueled by a home run from junior first baseman Marycille Brumby and clutch hits from junior center fielder Sydnee Reaves and sophomore third baseman Journey Roberts.
Junior pitcher Chloe Poss earned the win for UNG, pitching a complete game and striking out four batters. Reaves, who has been stellar in her first career postseason appearance, finished the game with four singles and nine RBIs.
