February 13, 2026 The Cass Colonels boys soccer team kicked off their 2026 season with a hard-fought 2-1 road victory over the East Paulding Raiders on Thursday night. The Colonels struck early and held on for the non-region win, improving their young season record while handing the Raiders (1-1) their first loss. David Pedro Hernandez opened the scoring in the 18th minute, finishing off a crisp assist from Giovanni Pineda to give Cass a 1-0 lead. The Colonels added to their advantage just before halftime when Karter Berdnik netted his goal in the 32nd minute, set up by Mason Madrid's playmaking pass. The 2-1 halftime lead proved decisive, as the Colonels' defense and smart possession kept the second half scoreless. Cass (1-0) will host Darlington on Monday, February 24th, at 7:30 p.m.

February 12, 2026 Adairsville wrestlers David Coon and Jarett Chriswell competed on Wednesday and Thursday at the Georgia High School Association Class AAA Traditional State Tournament in Morrow. Coon went 2-2 in bouts at 175 pounds and was eliminated in the third round of consolations. Chriswell finished 0-2 in his 157-pound bouts. Coon earned 4-½ team points for the Tigers, giving the team a 41st-place finish in Class AAA. Jefferson won the state title, followed by Troup, North Hall, Gilmer, and White County.

February 12, 2026 The Cartersville Purple Hurricanes opened the 2026 baseball season on Thursday evening at Rockmart and escaped with a nail-biting 1-0 win in eight innings. After seven scoreless innings in a pitcher’s duel, the Canes coaxed four walks in the top of the eighth for the game’s only run. Cartersville reliever Brayden Logan walked a batter in the bottom of the eighth, but a pickoff, a groundout, and a strikeout retired the side and preserved the combined shutout victory. Nate Russell, who has signed with Georgia Southern, started as the pitcher for the Hurricanes and recorded four strikeouts over three scoreless innings. Coleman Stubblefield pitched the next four innings, giving up no runs, just one hit, and three walks, while striking out five batters. Stubblefield earned the win, and Logan secured a save. Rockmart's left-handed starting pitcher, Trey Luke, struck out 13 batters in the first five innings, preventing the Canes from scoring, although he walked five. In the final three innings, Gage Campbell pitched for the Yellow Jackets without allowing a hit, but he also gave up five walks and was credited with the loss. Logan had the only two hits for Cartersville. Colby Fuqua had Rockmart’s only base hit. The loss dropped Rockmart to 0-2 on the season. Cartersville (1-0) hosts Harrison on Saturday at 1 p.m. DARLINGTON 3, ADAIRSVILLE 2 Darlington scored its go-ahead run in the top of the sixth and held on to win at Adairsville on Thursday, 3-2. Both teams posted a first-inning run, and Darlington took a 2-1 lead in the top of the third. Adairsville tied the score at 2-2 in the fifth, before the visiting Tigers in purple took the lead for good. Kaden Coker made the pitching start for Adairsville and fanned six in the first five innings. He allowed two runs (one earned) on five hits and one walk. Tyler Parker yielded one run on three hits in the sixth and was saddled with the pitching loss. Westin Barfield walked one and struck out one in a shutout seventh inning. Harrison Cole and Barfield had two hits for Adairsville. Hudson Parr added one hit, and Coker contributed one RBI. Darlington improved to 2-0. Adairsville (2-1) hosts Woodland-Stockbridge on Monday at 5:30 p.m.

February 11, 2026 The Woodland boys and the Adairsville girls added soccer wins on Wednesday night. WOODLAND BOYS 2, COAHULLA CREEK 1 The Woodland Wildcats posted a goal in each half to build a 2-0 lead on Wednesday night and defeated the Coahulla Creek Colts 2-1 in their 2026 season opener. In the 19th minute, Hunter Limbaugh scored from a corner kick delivered by Danny Chavez, putting the Wildcats ahead 1-0 at halftime. Five minutes into the second half, Marvin Morales, assisted by Aiden Carrillo, scored another goal for Woodland, extending the Wildcats' lead to 2-0. The Colts (0-2) avoided a shutout with a goal in the 59th minute. Woodland goalkeeper Seth Goodall had one save in each half for the Wildcats. The Wildcats (1-0) return to the pitch on Friday at Cherokee for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff. ADAIRSVILLE GIRLS 7, ARMUCHEE 2 The Adairsville Lady Tigers built a 6-2 lead in the first half and won at Armuchee on Wednesday evening, 7-2. Alexa Damer scored four goals, including three in the first half, to lead the Tigers. Braylynn Martin scored two goals and had one assist, and Ella Edwards contributed one goal and one assist in the win. Carly Edwards assisted on two Adairsville goals, and Addi Jerauld, Leyla Gomez-Perez, and Piper Tordrup each added one assist. Adairsville (2-0) hosts Central-Carroll on February 24. COAHULLA CREEK GIRLS 3, WOODLAND 0 The Lady Cats lost their season opener on Wednesday evening to Coahulla Creek, 3-0. Woodland (0-1) visits Cherokee on Friday in a 5:30 p.m. start.

February 11, 2026 McCayden Hufstetler and Westin Barfield teamed up on the mound to achieve a shutout, while the Adairsville Tigers scored four runs in the fourth inning and six more in the sixth, securing a 10-0 victory at Cass on Wednesday evening. The win was also the 300th career coaching victory for Adairsville's Billy Roper. Hufstetler struck out nine and allowed just three hits and one walk in five innings. Barfield gave up one hit and struck out one in relief. Adairsville baseball coach, Billy Roper (center), collected his 300th career victory. Photo: Adairsville Athletics on X. Tyler Parker (double, five RBI) and Barfield (RBI) had two hits for the Tigers. Harrison Cole (double, two RBI) and Hudson Parr added one hit in Adairsville’s win. Cass utilized four pitchers with starter Dustin Wallin (3.1 IP, 4ER, 3H, 1BB, 8K) tagged with the loss. Easton Lee (1.2 IP, 0R, 0BB, 3K), Darren Cole (0.1 IP, 5ER, 1H, 3BB), and Landon Lamb (0.2 IP, 1ER, 2H) pitched in relief for the Colonels. Wallin had two hits, including a double. Zach Stiles (double) and Kasey Jacobs had the other Cass base hits. Adairsville (2-0) hosts Darlington on Thursday at 5 p.m. and Woodland on Monday at 5:30 p.m. Cass (0-1) has home games on Saturday with East Paulding at 11 a.m. and Sonoraville at 4 p.m.  The Colonels will also host Model on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m.

February 11, 2026 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com Woodland trailed 5-1 in the middle of the fifth inning on Wednesday evening, but flipped the game in the bottom of the frame by scoring seven runs. The Wildcats added three more runs in the sixth and secured an 11-6 home win over the North Cobb Warriors. Cameron O’Shields (1 IP, 1ER, 1H, 1BB, 1K) picked up the pitching win by working relief in the fifth inning. Clayton Wilkes (3.2 IP, 2R, 1ER, 3H, 2BB, 2K) made the pitching start for Woodland. Levi Wheeler (0.1 IP, 2ER, 1H, 1BB) finished off the fourth inning on the mound, and Zaylen Cochran (2 IP, 1R, 0ER, 2H, 5K) closed out the final two frames. Tommy Risner (two RBI) and Steven Tumlin (RBI) had two hits for the Wildcats. Sammy Ray and Alfredo Romo each added one hit. The Wildcats also took advantage of seven walks, five stolen bases, and three errors by the Warriors. North Cobb slipped to 1-1 on the season. Woodland (2-0) visits Kennesaw Mountain on Saturday for a 1 p.m. start.

February 11, 2026 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com The Georgia Highlands Chargers split a baseball doubleheader at Cleveland State CC on Tuesday, dropping the opener 14-7 and winning the second game 6-2. GHC scored four runs in the top of the first in Game 1, but gave up nine in the first two frames, leading to the loss. A three-run sixth inning and an insurance run in the seventh lifted the Chargers in their Game 2 win. Aidan Larkin finished the doubleheader with five hits, including four doubles and two RBI. Mason Moore (home run, sac fly, three RBI) and Kenton Collier (sac fly, two RBI) followed with three hits each. Andrew Bishop homered twice and had four RBI. Wyatt Gatlin also had two hits, including a solo home run. Emilliano Dominguez contributed a solo home run and a double. Carson Page, Caiden Marcos, and TJ Sunderhaus each added one hit for the day. Starting pitcher Nick Kane (0.1 IP, 7R, 5ER, 4H, 2BB, 1K) only retired one out in the opening game loss. Jowsell Seda (1.2 IP, 2ER, 2H, 2K), Calvin Koo (2 IP, 2ER, 4H, 1BB, 2K), and Evan Doss (2 IP, 3R, 1ER, 3H, 2BB) pitched in relief for the Chargers. Braxton Wade (4 IP, 1ER, 4H, 2BB, 4K) made the pitching start in Game 2 and was credited with the win on the mound. Jackson Scali (2 IP, 0R, 1H, 3K), Jack Burns (0.2 IP, 1ER, 2H, 1K), and Gatlin (0.1 IP, 0R, 1BB) covered the final three innings on the bump. The Chargers (8-4) welcome Lincoln Trail College (IL) for doubleheaders on Friday and Saturday at 1 p.m. and 12 noon, respectively.

February 11, 2026 from Georgia Highlands College Athletics The Georgia Highlands College softball team kicked off its 2026 home slate with authority on Tuesday afternoon, sweeping Snead State Community College (AL) by scores of 3-1 and 6-1 at Carol Brown Field in Cartersville. The victories moved the Chargers to an even 2-2 mark early in the season. In the first game, scoring stayed quiet until the bottom of the fourth inning. Ahmani Green (Worth Co. HS) started things with an infield single and promptly stole second base. Mary Cat Kimball (Haralson Co. HS) then drove her in with a sharp double to the left-center gap, giving GHC a 1-0 edge. Snead State tied it up with a run in the fifth, but the Chargers responded decisively in the sixth. Emma Darrow (South Effingham HS) reached on an error, paving the way for Green to unleash an inside-the-park home run that restored the lead for good and sealed the 3-1 win. Game two saw the Chargers jump ahead quickly. In the first inning, Darrow singled, took third on a left-field error, and came home on a fielder’s choice from Ansley Logan (Loganville). Logan kept the momentum rolling in the third, drawing a leadoff walk, stealing second, and scoring on another double from Green. Haley Curtis (Dalton) then took command in the circle, delivering a complete-game masterpiece. The right-hander surrendered only one unearned run on five hits, issuing one walk while fanning six batters across seven strong innings to secure the 6-1 victory. Georgia Highlands now heads out on the road for a busy weekend, taking part in the Northeast Alabama Classic on Friday and the Gadsden State Classic on Saturday. The Chargers return home the following Tuesday, February 17, to host Cleveland State.

February 11, 2026 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com On the final night of region regular-season games in 7-AAAA, five of the six local teams in action collected wins. WOODLAND GIRLS 34, SOUTHEAST WHITFIELD 30 The Woodland Lady Cats won for the first time since November on Tuesday night, defeating visiting Southeast Whitfield 34-30 in a nail-biter. Freshman Destiny Jackson produced a double-double, with 14 points and 14 rebounds, but it was senior Reign West’s two free throws in the final 30 seconds that secured the win. The Lady Cats led 11-10 after one quarter and 17-16 at halftime. Woodland extended its lead to 31-24 by the end of the third quarter, and held on in the fourth for their first region win. “It was an outstanding Senior Night for us,” said Woodland girls’ coach Whitney Wissing. “I have great things to say about all our players and their contributions tonight. Special defensive credits go to Angel Palmore, Bailey Gerstner, Cathryn Sneed, and Karissa Williamson for stepping up.” Palmore, West, and Cyler Williams each added five points for Woodland. Betzai Hipolito led the Lady Raiders (2-22, 1-13) with 13 points. Woodland (4-21, 1-13) lost a coin toss with Southeast Whitfield on Wednesday morning and will be the No. 8-seed in the first round of the Region 7-AAAA tournament, facing 5th-seeded Hiram on Monday at Cartersville High School at 7 p.m. WOODLAND BOYS 88, SOUTHEAST WHITFIELD 50 The Wildcats closed out their 2026 regular season with a one-sided Region 7-AAAA victory over the Southeast Whitfield Raiders on Tuesday night. Woodland surged ahead in the second quarter, outscoring Southeast 34-11 in the period and cruised in the second half to their 38-point win and a season sweep of the Raiders (0-25, 0-14). “It was a good team win on Senior Night,” said Wildcats’ coach Kip Dyer. “Our seniors got a lot of playing time, which was great for this group.” Caiden Moore led Woodland with 16 points. Jonathan Hart finished with 15. Canden Davis totaled 12, and Landon Dougherty added 10 points. Luke Amspaugh and Brayden Johnson scored 18 and 17 points, respectively, for Southeast Whitfield. The Wildcats (9-16, 2-12) will be the No. 7 seed in the Region 7-AAAA tournament, which begins Monday at Cartersville High School. Woodland will play Cedartown at 5:30 p.m. CARTERSVILLE GIRLS 62, CEDARTOWN 23 The Lady Canes wrapped up regular-season and region play on Tuesday night with their 20th win of the season at Cedartown. Cartersville built a 32-16 advantage in the first half and eased to a 39-point road victory. Reese Gibson led Cartersville with a double-double that included 15 points and 10 rebounds. Kaytlin Arnold followed with 12 points and six boards. Trinity Montgomery and Akira Leonard each added 10 points for the Lady Canes. Hadlee Robinson led the Lady Bulldogs (8-15, 5-9) with 10 points. Cartersville (20-4, 13-1) tied with Dalton for first place in the region, but lost a Wednesday morning coin toss for the tournament’s top seed. Cartersville will be the No. 2 seed and receive a bye to the region semifinals on Thursday at the Storm Center. The Lady Canes will play the Southeast Whitfield/Cedartown/Cass survivor from Monday's and Tuesday's games.  CARTERSVILLE BOYS 67, CEDARTOWN 52 Kyron McClendon scored a game-high 31 points on Tuesday at Cedartown. Kyron McClendon poured in a season-high 31 points, including five from behind the arc, on Tuesday night to help lead the Purple Hurricanes to a Region 7-AAAA win at Cedartown. The host Bulldogs stayed in contention into the fourth quarter, but Cartersville was able to pull away down the stretch. The Canes led 16-15 after one quarter, but Cedartown tied the score at 34 as the teams headed into the locker room. Cartersville grabbed a 52-43 lead in the third quarter and added six more points to its margin of victory in the final eight minutes. Nas Bennett scored 14 points with eight rebounds and four assists for Cartersville. Wyatt Thomason grabbed 10 rebounds and added nine points. Devion Smith led Cedartown (9-15, 5-9) with 19 points. Coleton Prater contributed 13 points in the Bulldogs’ loss. Cartersville tied with Hiram for first place in the regular season region standings. A coin toss will determine the No. 1 seed for the region tournament, but it had not yet been conducted at the time of this report. Both Hiram and Cartersville will receive byes to the Thursday semifinals of the tournament, which will be hosted by Cartersville. The Canes (20-4, 13-1) are scheduled for a final regular-season game on Saturday at Darlington at 2 p.m. CASS GIRLS 43, HIRAM 17 The Lady Colonels built a big lead early and easily handled visiting Hiram on Tuesday night, 43-17. The Cass girls led 13-2 at the end of the first quarter and built a 26-5 advantage by halftime en route to a 26-point Region 7-AAAA victory. Nakayla Evans paced Cass with 10 points. Cadie Paez and Anizah Taylor each contributed eight points. Kylie Miles added seven for the Lady Colonels. Brittain Payne led the Lady Hornets (8-14, 6-8) with nine points. Cass (11-12, 10-4) will be the No. 3-seed in the Region 7-AAAA tournament and will receive a first-round bye. The Lady Colonels will face Monday’s Cedartown/Southeast Whitfield winner on Tuesday at 4 p.m. at Cartersville High School. HIRAM 67, CASS BOYS 47 The Hiram Hornets started fast and held off the host Colonels on Tuesday night, 67-47. Hiram (17-8, 13-1) sprinted to a 22-10 lead in the first eight minutes and added to their advantage in the next two periods. Aiden Stutson led the Hornets with 15 points. AJ Williams added 14. Lucas Pealor and Derris Reece scored nine and eight points, respectively, for the Colonels. Cass (7-16, 6-8) is the No. 5 seed in the Region 7-AAAA tournament and will play a first-round game on Monday night at 8:30 p.m. against Southeast Whitfield at Cartersville High School. Monday’s winner advances to play Dalton on Tuesday at 8:30 p.m.

February 11, 2026 The Cartersville Hurricanes rallied from a 2-0 deficit and scored three times in the second half Tuesday night for a 3-2 victory at Calhoun. Brayden Alonso scored the Canes’ first goal after a Yellow Jackets turnover and found the net from the top of the 18-yard line in the 42nd minute, cutting Cartersville’s deficit in half. In the 56th minute, Daniel Milan scored in a similar fashion to Alonso's goal, leveling the score at 2-2. With three minutes remaining in the game, Jayden Nevarez gave Cartersville the lead on a counterattack. Alonso assisted on the game-winning goal. Keeper Cash Priest was credited with a great game in goal and kept the score within reach throughout the night with some nice saves. The loss started Calhoun’s season at 0-1. Cartersville (1-1) evened its season mark following a Monday 2-0 loss at Woodstock. The Canes host Ringgold on Thursday in a 7:30 p.m. kickoff.

February 11, 2026 File photo: Alexa Damer The Adairsville Lady Tigers opened the 2026 soccer season on Tuesday night with a convincing 5-1 win at Ringgold. Alexa Damer played a role in all five of Adairsville’s goals. She scored a hat trick of goals, assisted on Ella Edwards’ game-opening goal, and later assisted on a goal by Braylynn Martin. Martin was also credited with assists on two of Damer’s goals. Adairsville controlled the ball about 70 percent of the game and led 4-0 at the intermission. Keeper Bethany Kilgore was credited with a key early save that kept Ringgold off the scoreboard in the first half, and Jacksyn Elrod was credited for her creative defensive plays and ball possession. “Jacksyn has picked up where we left off last season,” said Adairsville coach David Sexauer. “We are very pleased with how she played tonight, and of course, Alexa Damer had a great night as well.” The Adairsville girls (1-0) visit Armuchee on Thursday. RINGGOLD 4, ADAIRSVILLE BOYS 1 The Adairsville boys dropped their season opener on Tuesday night at Ringgold, 4-1. The Tigers are scheduled to play at Hiram on Thursday at 8 p.m. CALHOUN 1, CARTERSVILLE GIRLS 0 The host Lady Jackets improved to 2-0 on the young season with a 1-0 win over the Lady Canes. Cartersville (0-2) hosts Ringgold on Thursday at 5:30 p.m.

February 9, 2026 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com It is one of the busiest times of the year for collegiate sports, as winter sports conclude regular-season play in preparation for postseason play and spring sports begin with early-season games, matches, and tournaments. This week’s 'Athletes Beyond Bartow' update includes contributions from 39 local athletes across eight sports nationwide. WRESTLING LEE CAMP — Reinhardt University (So., Cass HS) … won a 17-2 technical fall at 133 pounds as the Eagles beat visiting University of Montevallo 26-15 last Saturday in Waleska. Next for Reinhardt is the Appalachian Athletic Conference Championships on Friday, February 20, site to be determined. CADEN McCRARY — Reinhardt University (Sr., Woodland HS) … won a 4-1 sudden victory overtime decision in his 141-pound bout last Saturday in the Eagles’ 26-15 home win over the University of Montevallo. Next for Reinhardt is the Appalachian Athletic Conference Championships on Friday, February 20, site to be determined. HAYDEN SANTORA — Reinhardt University (So., Woodland HS) … lost his bout at 165 pounds, but the Eagles beat visiting University of Montevallo last Saturday 26-15. Next for Reinhardt is the Appalachian Athletic Conference Championships on Friday, February 20, site to be determined. ANETRA WITHERSPOON — Life University (So., Cartersville HS) … went 2-2 in her 180-pound bouts at the Grand View Open Silver Division last Saturday in Des Moines, Iowa. Witherspoon also lost a bout to an opponent from Ottawa University (KS) on Sunday at For Her Duals in Coralville, Iowa, as the Running Eagles went 3-1. Next for Life is the Mid-South Conference Championship Tournament on February 20 in Bowling Green, Kentucky. BASKETBALL NA’YEL CAMPER — Reinhardt University (So., Cartersville HS) … scored four points and had one rebound with one assist in a 79-52 home win February 4 over Spartanburg Methodist. The Eagles also beat Bryan College (TN)  on Saturday, 71-64. Reinhardt (17-5, 14-1) visits Columbia International University (SC) on Wednesday and hosts the University of Pikeville (KY) on Saturday. JA’KA’YAH DRAUGHN — Brewton Parker Christian University (So., Cartersville HS) … totaled 15 points, five assists, three rebounds, and three steals in three home games last week. The Barons edged Faulkner University (AL) 72-70 in overtime, but lost 69-66 to Blue Mountain University (MS) and 80-75 to the University of Mobile. Brewton Parker (5-19, 4-9 Southern States Athletic Conference) visits Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College on Thursday and Thomas University on Saturday. ANSLEY GRIFFIN — North Carolina Wesleyan University (So., Cartersville HS) … scored three points with two steals, one rebound, and one assist in a 71-44 win last Saturday at Meredith College (NC). The Battling Bishops (11-8, 9-4) carry a six-game winning streak to Pfeiffer College (NC) on Monday. NCWU also plays on Wednesday at Greensboro College and hosts Mary Baldwin University on Saturday. ZION HAYES — Vincennes University (So., Cass HS) … grabbed nine rebounds and scored five points with four assists and three steals in the Trailblazers’ 68-60 win on February 4 at Lincoln Trail College (IL). The team also won 91-42 this past Saturday at Shawnee CC, but no stats were available for this report. The Blazers (16-7) host Shawnee CC on Wednesday and Rend Lake College on Saturday. ZYON HEATH — LaGrange College (So., Woodland HS) … had two rebounds in the Panthers’ win over Asbury University (KY) 80-65 and 85-84 loss to Piedmont University last weekend at home. LaGrange (10-9, 3-5 Collegiate Conference of the South) welcomes Huntingdon College on Tuesday, before traveling to Toccoa Falls College on Wednesday and to Covenant College (GA) on Saturday. HALEY JOHNSON — Reinhardt University (Sr., Cass HS) … totaled four points, four rebounds, and three assists as the Eagles pushed their current winning streak to 12 games with wins over Spartanburg Methodist on February 4 and at home over Bryan College last Saturday.  Reinhardt (17-5, 14-1 Appalachian Athletic Conference) travels to Columbia International University (SC) on Wednesday and welcomes the University of Pikeville (KY) on Saturday. KEARA McDANIEL — Toccoa Falls College (Sr., Cass HS) … totaled 38 points in four home games last week, with 29 assists, 12 rebounds, and nine steals as the Screaming Eagles defeated Paine College 79-76, Trinity Baptist College-Jacksonville 81-75, and Southeastern Baptist (FL) 69-32, but dropped a 72-59 decision to Bob Jones University (SC). TFC (9-15, 2-2 NCCAA) visits Paine College in Augusta on Tuesday and Alice Lloyd College (KY) on Saturday. T.J. PRINTUP — Tusculum University (Jr., Adairsville HS) … totaled 20 points with 23 rebounds,  seven assists, two steals, and two blocks in two losses last week. The Pioneers dropped a 65-58 home decision to Lincoln Memorial University (TN) on February 4 and suffered a 93-76 loss last Saturday at Catawba College (NC). Tusculum (8-14, 4-12 South Atlantic Conference) hosts Mars Hill on Wednesday and Newberry College on Saturday. MEGAN SCHULTZ — Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (So., Woodland HS) … totaled four points, four assists, and four rebounds in road losses at Loyola University-New Orleans and William Carey University (MS) last Thursday and Saturday. The Fillies (5-16, 2-10 Southern States Athletic Conference) visit Trinity College-Jacksonville on Tuesday before hosting Brewton-Parker Christian and Point University on Thursday and Saturday. LONDAISHA SMITH — Reinhardt University (Sr., Cass HS) … scored 22 points with 11 rebounds, three assists, and one steal in home wins on February 4 and this past Saturday over Spartanburg Methodist (SC and Bryan College (TN). The Eagles (17-5, 14-1 Appalachian Athletic Conference) look to extend their 12-game win streak at Columbia International University (SC) on Wednesday and will host the University of Pikeville (KY) on Saturday. TENNIS EMILY BUSH — University of North Georgia (Sr., Cartersville HS) … partnered with Sofia Giraldo to win 6-2 at Line 3 doubles as the Nighthawks opened the 2026 season with a 6-1 home win over Newberry College (SC). UNG had an exhibition at Mercer University on Sunday and will travel to Erskine College on Saturday before hosting Auburn University-Montgomery on Sunday. SYDNEY COPPOLA — Berry College (Jr., Cass HS) ... teamed up with Charlee Eidson to secure a 6-1 victory at Line 3 doubles and won her Line 5 singles match 6-2, 6-2, contributing to the Vikings' 7-0 home win over Snead State CC (AL) last Friday. Although Coppola and Eidson were defeated at Line 3 doubles against Wallace State CC (AL), Coppola triumphed in her singles match, 6-3, 6-3, in the Vikings' 5-2 loss last Friday. Facing D-I Jacksonville State, Coppola and Eidson suffered a 0-6 loss in a 0-7 team defeat on January 27. On Sunday, Coppola and Sloane Vaccaro lost 6-0 in doubles, and Coppola was defeated 6-1, 6-0 at Line 5 singles in the Vikings' 0-7 loss at Emory University in Atlanta. The Vikings will host a scrimmage with Piedmont University on Tuesday and will compete again at Shorter University on Saturday, February 21. GOLF CHRISTINA SURCEY — Lipscomb University (So., Cartersville resident, North Cobb Christian School) …  carded rounds of 79-72-73 (8-over) to finish 16th as the Bisons tied for second at the Advance Golf Partners Collegiate at Hammond Creek Golf Club in Palm City, Florida on February 1-3. Virginia Tech won the tournament with a team total of 4-over par. Lipscomb tied with UNC-Greensboro at 35-over. Georgia State (+37) and Akron (+42) rounded out the top five teams in the 17-team event. Lipscomb’s next tournament is the Space Coast Classic at Duran Golf Club in Melbourne, Florida, on February 20-21. GYMNASTICS ABIGAIL BUNCH — Rhode Island College (Sr., Cass HS) … scored 9.55 on balance beam and 9.525 on the uneven bars this past Sunday as the Anchorwomen finished second to Brown University but ahead of Springfield College (MA) in a tri-meet at Springfield. Rhode Island College will host Springfield College on Saturday. TRACK AND FIELD BEN ABERNATHY — Reinhardt University (Fr., Adairsville HS) … finished 11th (40’ 7-75”) in the triple jump last Saturday at the Life University Super Bowl Meet in Marietta. The Eagles will compete at the Samford University Bulldog Indoor Invitational in Birmingham on Friday. ANDY FORSYTH — Berry College (So., Woodland HS) … ran eighth (1:58.72) in the 800 meters last Friday at the UAB Green and Gold Invitational in Birmingham. Next for the Vikings is the Samford Open 2 in Birmingham on Saturday. TYLER JONES — University of West Georgia (Jr., Woodland HS) … placed 29th (4:40.17) in the one-mile run last Saturday at the UAB Green and Gold Invitational in Birmingham. The Wolves travel to the Tryon Mid-Winter Invitational on Friday and Saturday. WILL PARKER — Columbia College (Fr., Woodland HS) … finished 19th (3:07.10) in the 1000 meters at the Campbell University Camel City Distance in Winston-Salem last Saturday. The Koalas will compete at the Tryon Mid-Winter Invitational hosted by UNC-Asheville on Friday and Saturday. JAYLEN SCOTT — Reinhardt University (So., Cartersville HS) … finished ninth (39’ 7.75”) in the shot put and was tenth (47’9.25”) in the weight throw last Saturday at the Life University Super Bowl Meet in Marietta. The Eagles will compete at the Samford University Bulldog Indoor Invitational in Birmingham on Friday. SOFTBALL KILEY ARNOLD — Shorter University (Jr., Cartersville HS) … made a start last Friday and went 0-for-2 in a 9-0 loss to McKendree University in Chattanooga. The Hawks also had losses to Palm Beach Atlantic University and Union University (TN). They salvaged a 5-4 win over the University of Illinois-Springfield on Saturday. Shorter (3-3) hosts Middle Georgia State University for a doubleheader on Tuesday, visits the University of Alabama-Huntsville on Friday, and will play Kentucky Wesleyan College in a doubleheader on Saturday in Huntsville. JORDAN BISHOP — Virginia Tech (Fr., Cartersville HS) … appeared in three of five games last Thursday through Saturday and made one start in right field as the Hokies started the season 5-0 with two wins over host and 14th-ranked South Carolina, two wins over Binghamton University, and one over Winthrop University. Bishop was 0-for-2 at the plate, but scored one run as a pinch runner. Virginia Tech will face Villanova twice, Michigan State twice, and Charlotte this weekend in the Queen City Classic in Charlotte. TAYLOR EVANS — Southern Wesleyan University (Fr., Adairsville HS) … saw action in two games and made one start at catcher as the Warriors went 1-4 last Thursday through Saturday at the Embry-Riddle Tournament in Daytona Beach, Florida. Evans was 0-for-2 in two official at bats. Southern Wesleyan split games with Mississippi College and lost to the University of West Alabama, the University of Tampa, and host Embry-Riddle University. The Warriors have four games Friday and Saturday in Greenwood, South Carolina, at the Lander University Invitational. MEGAN GREGORY — Indiana University (Jr., Adairsville HS) … pitched one scoreless inning in two games last weekend at the Florida Atlantic University Paradise Classic. Gregory allowed one hit and one walk with one strikeout in an 8-2 win over Army, and retired the side in order with one strikeout in a 10-0 victory over Stonehill College (MA). The Hoosiers (4-1) lost to host FAU, but beat Army, 25th-ranked Ohio State, Delaware, and Stonehill. Indiana travels to Arizona State for games Thursday through Sunday in the Littlewood Invitational. The Hoosiers will face Portland State, Pacific University, the host Sun Devils, and Nevada twice. RACHAEL LEE — Valdosta State University (Sr., Cass HS) … went 1-for-5, including a two-run home run, and was hit by a pitch in two losses Saturday at 6th-ranked University of North Georgia. The Blazers (1-5) will play Flagler College, Saint Leo University twice, and Chowan University (NC) on Saturday and Sunday in St. Augustine, Florida, at the Old Coast Classic. BASEBALL CAMERON ADAMS — Shorter University (R-Fr., Excel Christian Academy) … saw action in three games last Friday and Saturday as the Hawks went 4-0 against visiting Kentucky State University. Adams was 1-for-2 at the plate with a double, one hit by pitch, and scored five runs. Shorter (4-0) visits Middle Georgia State University on Tuesday and hosts three conference games with Belmont Abbey College on Friday and Saturday. DREW BILLINGS — Trinity Baptist College-Jacksonville (Sr., Woodland HS) … recorded one strikeout and was credited with a save last Friday in a 7-6 win over visiting Bob Jones University (SC). The Eagles (3-3, 2-0 NCCAA D-II) welcome Baptist University of Florida for three games on Friday and Saturday. CURT BONNER — LaGrange College (Sr., Cartersville HS) … went 4-for-11, including three walks, one hit by pitch, three runs, and one RBI in three games last Friday and Saturday at The Firehouse Classic hosted by Huntingdon College in Montgomery. The Panthers had two wins over Schreiner University (TX) and one over Berea College (KY). LaGrange (3-0) hosts a three-game series with Millikin University (IL) on Friday through Sunday. MADDOX FRAZIER — Southern Union State CC (Fr., Cartersville HS) … made two, one-inning relief appearances last week in an 8-6 win at Chipola College on February 5 and a home 9-5 win last Saturday over Walters State CC. Frazier fanned four, walked one, and collected his second save, facing seven batters in the two appearances. The Bison (6-2) host San Jacinto College-North (TX), Marion Military Institute (AL), and John A. Logan College (IL) this weekend for the SUSCC Invitational. NICHOLAS HRUBY — Bryan College (R-Fr., Cartersville HS) … retired the final two outs in the fourth inning, but was tagged with the pitching loss last Saturday in a 12-9 loss to Marian University (IN). Hruby allowed four runs (two earned) on three hits, one walk, and one hit batter. The Lions (0-7) host a three-game series on Friday and Saturday with Union Commonwealth University (KY). AIDAN LARKIN — Georgia Highlands College (Fr., Cartersville HS) … went 5-for-11 with one home run, one double, five runs scored, and one walk in the Chargers’ four-game home sweep of USC Lancaster this past weekend. GHC (7-3) visits Cleveland State CC (TN) on Tuesday for two games and welcomes Lincoln Trail College (IL) for four games on Friday and Saturday. LUKE MILLER — Columbus State University (So., Cartersville HS) … went 2-for-12, including one home run, three RBI, and three walks in the Cougars’ three losses last weekend at Lenoir-Rhyne University (NC). Columbus State (0-5) hosts Albany State University on Wednesday and welcomes Flagler College (FL) for a three-game Peach Belt Conference series on Friday through Sunday. AYDIN RAY -- USC- Lancaster (So., Woodland HS) ... as of February 7, Ray has appeared in six games for the Lancers and is 5-for-15 (.333) at the plate, including one home run, two doubles, three walks, and one hit by pitch, and three RBI. USC-L (1-5) visits Cleveland CC on Wednesday and hosts Clark State College for four games on Friday and Saturday. DREW ROTHSCHILD — Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (Sr., Cartersville HS) … went 3-for-11 at the plate as the Stallions split two games at Warner University (FL) and swept two games against Indiana University-South Bend in Lake Wales, Florida, last Friday and Saturday. Rothschild had one double, one walk, scored five runs, stole two bases, and was hit by a pitch twice in the four-game set. ABAC (7-3) hosts Thomas University (GA) on Tuesday and Spartanburg Methodist College for three games on Friday and Saturday. JARRETT SCOTT — Bryan College (Fr., Adairsville HS) … appeared in three games of a four-game home series with Marian University (IN) last weekend and went 3-for-12, including one double, one RBI, and three runs scored. The Lions (0-7) host Union Commonwealth University (KY) for three games on Friday and Saturday. SAWYER WILSON — Columbus State University (So., Cartersville HS) … made a four-inning pitching start this past Sunday at Lenoir-Rhyne University and was tagged with the loss as the Cougars fell 13-2. Wilson allowed five runs (four earned) on five hits and four walks. He struck out three. Columbus State (0-5) hosts Albany State University on Wednesday and entertains Flagler College (FL) for a three-game conference series on Friday through Sunday.