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RBC Softball Notches First-Ever World Series Berth

For Immediate Release: May 12, 2026

Contact: Sterling Giles, Associate Director of Communications/sgiles@rbc.edu

 

Over the weekend, the Richard Bland College (RBC) softball team made history by earning the program’s first-ever berth to the NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association) Division II Softball World Series. The Statesmen defeated Mercer County Community College in a nail-biting three-game series at home to win the Atlantic B District Championship. The win granted them an automatic bid to the World Series.

“This group never stopped believing in one another—even when the pressure was at its highest,” said Joe Braun, RBC Head Softball Coach. “Their resilience is what carried us to this historic moment.

“I couldn’t be prouder of this team.”

In the first game of the series, the Statesmen led a 2-0 shutout victory behind a stellar performance from second-year pitcher Ava Balli. Mercer County answered in game two with an 8-3 win, forcing a winner-take-all final match. In a thrilling game that went an extra inning, RBC edged out a 6-5 victory in the biggest win in program history.

“This milestone is a tremendous moment for our softball program,” said Scott Newton, RBC Director of Athletics. “We’re excited for the opportunity to represent the College on the national stage and compete against the best programs in the country.”

The World Series is set for May 19-24 at Tyger River Park in Spartanburg, South Carolina. On May 19, the Statesmen, who earned the No. 19 seed, will play 14th-seeded Parkland College in the opening round.

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