Coastal Carolina Softball Sets Sights on NCAA Regional Championship in Durham
CONWAY, S.C. – The excitement is palpable as the Coastal Carolina softball team embarks on its quest for glory in the 2025 NCAA Regional, kicking off on May 16 in Durham. The Chanticleers, proudly representing their university, will square off against the formidable Georgia Bulldogs tomorrow at 2:30 p.m. ET.
A Glorious Path to Postseason
Last Time Out
Coastal Carolina put on a spectacular show, narrowly edging James Madison to clinch the Sun Belt Conference Tournament title. This monumental victory isn’t just another trophy; it’s the team’s first conference championship since 2012, when they conquered the Big South. The No. 7-seeded Chanticleers battled valiantly through four grueling games, overcoming Southern Miss (7-2), Marshall (5-2), Louisiana (6-1), and finally defeating James Madison (3-2) in a nail-biting championship match.
Standout Performers
- Delaney Keith lit up the tournament with an impressive .583 batting average.
- Both Keirstin Roose and McKennah Metzger contributed five RBIs each, showcasing the depth of the team’s talent.
- Nicolette Picone stole the spotlight as the Sun Belt Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player, dominating the mound with a 1.50 ERA and a staggering 17 strikeouts.
Facing Familiar Foes
History Against Georgia
In their upcoming matchup, the Chanticleers will face the Georgia Bulldogs, a team they have yet to conquer with a 0-2 record in their all-time encounters. Their last duel was in May 2012 during the NCAA postseason, where Coastal suffered a 13-3 loss in five innings.
Duke Dilemmas
Conversely, the Chanticleers boast a perfect 2-0 record against Duke. Their last clash in February 2019 ended in an 11-4 win, with Coastal outscoring the Blue Devils 14-5 in their meetings.
First Encounter with Howard
This regional will mark a significant moment for the Chanticleers as it will be their first-ever matchup against Howard.
Scouting the Competition
Georgia Bulldogs Overview
The Bulldogs stride into the tournament with a 31-20 overall record and a 7-16 mark in SEC play, bringing both talent and experience. They recently faced a setback against Arkansas (5-1) in the SEC Tournament but previously triumphed over Kentucky (8-0). Key players include:
- Jaydyn Goodwin, leading with 10 home runs and 57 hits.
- Sarah Gordon, racking up a team-high 46 RBIs.
- Pitching ace Lilli Backes, boasting a 3.40 ERA and 131 strikeouts.
Duke Blue Devils Breakdown
As the regional host and No. 14 national seed, Duke showcases a commendable 38-16 record. They reached the ACC Tournament semifinals, triumphing with a 7-0 shutout against Stanford before falling to Florida State (3-2). Notable standouts include:
- Thessa Malau’ulu, named ACC Defensive Player of the Year.
- Dani Drogemuller and Cassidy Curd, key arms on the mound, combining for 229 strikeouts.
Howard Bison Insights
Howard has concluded their season with a strong 31-18 record, dominating MEAC play at 20-1. They claimed their third MEAC Tournament title in a resounding 6-1 victory over South Carolina State. Standout players include:
- Lealani Ricks, leading the squad with a .377 batting average.
- Pitcher Ameenah Ballenger, whose stellar 12-5 record adds depth to their lineup.
Follow the Action
Stay updated on all things Coastal Carolina softball by following the Chanticleers on social media at @CoastalSoftball (X), @GoCCUSports (Instagram), and facebook.com/CCUChanticleers (Facebook). Dive deeper into their journey by visiting the official site of Coastal Carolina Athletics at GoCCUSports.
With intensity, determination, and a championship mindset, the Chanticleers are ready to make their mark in the NCAA Regional. Are you ready to cheer them on?
