Statesmen Softball Season Comes to a Close at NJCAA Division II World Series

SOUTH PRINCE GEORGE, VA — The historic 2026 season for Richard Bland College Softball came to an end Wednesday afternoon as the Statesmen fell to Northwest Mississippi Community College, 0-4, at the NJCAA Division II World Series in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

Richard Bland finishes the year with a 32-27 overall record while completing the most successful season in program history. The Statesmen earned their first-ever Atlantic B District Championship and made the program's first appearance at the NJCAA Division II World Series.

RBC battled defensively through five scoreless innings against Northwest Mississippi before the Rangers broke through in the sixth inning. A RBI double opened the scoring before a two-run home run extended the lead to 0-3. Northwest Mississippi added another run in the seventh inning to secure the victory.

The Statesmen were limited to three hits offensively, with Arianna Manson, Daphne Hall, and Sally Campos each recording one hit. Samantha Barbe and Gabby Shaver each drew walks for RBC.

Grace Urban kept Richard Bland in the game with a strong effort in the circle, tossing five innings while allowing just two runs. Ava Balli pitched the final two innings in relief.

Northwest Mississippi pitcher, Meredith Dearman, struck out 11 batters in the complete-game shutout.

Despite the loss, the season marked a breakthrough year for the Statesmen program. Richard Bland advanced through the postseason with multiple come-from-behind victories and captured the Atlantic B District title to punch its ticket to the national tournament.

The 2026 season included several historic milestones for RBC softball:

• First NJCAA Division II World Series appearance
• First Atlantic B District Championship
• Region 10 runner-up finish
• Numerous postseason individual honors and all-region selections

The Statesmen close the season having established a new standard for the program and laying a strong foundation for continued success in the years ahead.

For updates throughout the offseason, visit https://www.rbcathletics.com/sports/sball/2025-26/schedule or follow @rbcsoftball on social media.