Athletes Beyond Bartow: Bunch earns All-Region gymnast honors at RIC
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- 11 min read
March 9, 2026
Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com
Cass High product and Rhode Island College senior gymnast, Abigail Bunch, finished first on the uneven bars with a score of 9.775 this past weekend at the National Collegiate Gymnastics Association East Regional in Providence, Rhode Island. She helped lead her team to a third-place finish and advanced as an individual to the NCGA National Championships on March 20 in Cortland, New York.
This week's report also includes updates on 36 other local professional and collegiate athletes across seven sports for the week ending March 8.
MLB
MASON BARNETT — Oakland Athletics organization (5th yr. pro; Auburn; Cartersville HS) …made a three-inning Spring Training start on Saturday and allowed two earned runs on five hits and three walks with two strikeouts against the Chicago Cubs. In three Cactus League starts this spring, Barnett is 1-1 with a 4.90 ERA across 7-⅓ innings.
LOGAN MARTIN — San Francisco Giants organization (4th yr. pro; Kentucky; Cartersville HS) … has been assigned to the Eugene (OR) Emeralds to begin 2026. The Emeralds are the High-A affiliate of the Giants. The 24-year-old was traded from the Kansas City Royals’ organization in November after pitching in Columbia (SC) in 2024 and High-A Quad Cities (IA) in 2025. Martin has never been considered a Top 30 prospect for the Royals, but his considerable progress puts him on track to join San Francisco’s Double-A affiliate in Richmond in 2026 and its Triple-A affiliate in Sacramento in 2027. His MiLB numbers include a 12-7 record in 41 starts and 51 appearances. He has a 3.49 ERA in 201 innings with 187 strikeouts.
ANTHONY SEIGLER — Boston Red Sox organization (9th-yr. pro; Cartersville HS) … acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers during the off-season, Seigler was acquired by the Red Sox organization in order to build infield depth. Seigler started 25 games at third base for the playoff-bound Brewers in 2025 after spending most of the season with Triple-A Nashville. In his brief Major League career, Seigler batted just .194 with one extra base hit (a double) in his 62 at-bats. He fared a lot better at Triple-A in 2025, slashing .285/.414/.478. This is bolstered by his ability to draw walks, as his percentage as a pro is near 20 percent. Seigler, competing for a reserve role with the Red Sox as a utility infielder, is nursing a nagging knee injury during spring training that he first suffered in the Dominican Winter League.
GYMNASTICS
ABIGAIL BUNCH — Rhode Island College (Sr., Cass HS) … finished first on bars to earn All-Region honors and establish a new program-record score of 9.775 at the 2026 National Collegiate Gymnastics Association (NCGA) East Regional Championship in Providence. Bunch became the first-ever RIC gymnast to win a regional title on bars as the Anchorwomen finished third behind SUNY-Brockport and SUNY-Cortland at the seven-team regional. Rhode Island College posted the second-highest team score in program history (192.200) at the event. By winning bars at the regional, Bunch earned a spot on that apparatus at the NCGA National Championship on March 20, hosted by SUNY Cortland.
SOFTBALL
KILEY ARNOLD — Shorter University (Jr., Cartersville HS) … went 2-for-8 in four starts that included two Hawks’ home wins over Belmont Abbey College this past Saturday and a doubleheader split with Erskine College on March 3. Arnold also coaxed four walks during the week. Shorter (9-16, 3-3 Conference Carolinas) hosts two conference games with Young Harris College on Wednesday before playing conference doubleheaders at North Greenville University on Friday and Converse University on Saturday.
JORDAN BISHOP — Virginia Tech (Fr., Cartersville HS) … made a start at catcher this past Sunday in an 11-1 win over Bryant University (RI) and went 2-for-2 with a walk, scoring three runs. Bishop made appearances in two other wins last Friday and Saturday over James Madison University and Radford University, scoring one run. Virginia Tech (21-2) went 5-0 while hosting the Hokie Invitational with additional wins over Michigan and Penn State. They play at Elon University (NC) on Wednesday and play a three-game Atlantic Coast Conference series at Duke University this weekend.
TAYLOR EVANS — Southern Wesleyan University (Fr., Adairsville HS) … entered the game at catcher and went 1-for-1 with one RBI as the Warriors shutout visiting Emmanuel University (GA) 9-0 on March 3. Southern Wesleyan (12-6, 3-0 Conference Carolinas) has doubleheaders this week at Johnson C. Smith University on Monday and Belmont Abbey College on Wednesday before hosting Francis Marion University on Friday and visiting Emmanuel University on Saturday.
ANSLEY HIGHT — Reinhardt University (Jr., Cass HS) … went 5-for-7 with two home runs, one double, one walk, six RBI, and scored three runs last Friday in a doubleheader sweep at Bryan College (TN). The Eagles (9-3, 5-1 Appalachian Athletic Conference) return to action this weekend on a conference road trip to Bluefield University (VA) and Union Commonwealth University (KY) on Friday and Saturday.
ALYSSA JARRETT — Piedmont University (Jr., Adairsville HS) … made four starts and appeared in six games last week in Winston-Salem, North Carolina and Raleigh, North Carolina, as the Lions went 6-2 with wins over Mary Baldwin University (VA), Salisbury University (MD), Methodist University (NC), and Easton Mennonite University (VA) at the Diamond Classic and a doubleheader sweep at Salem University (WV). The two losses at the Diamond Classic were to the University of Lynchburg (VA) and 12th-ranked Randolph-Macon College (VA). The Piedmont catcher went 2-for-9 in official at-bats with one sacrifice hit, two walks, and two runs scored. The Lions (9-7) host Brevard College for two games on Wednesday and visit Asbury University (KY) for a doubleheader on Friday.
ERYN LEE — Reinhardt University (Jr., Cass HS) … the Eagles’ second baseman and leadoff hitter went 0-for-8 in two wins last Friday at Bryan College (TN). Reinhardt (9-3, 5-1 Appalachian Athletic Conference) returns to action this weekend on a conference road trip to Bluefield University (VA) and Union Commonwealth University (KY) on Friday and Saturday.
RACHAEL LEE — Valdosta State University (Sr., Cass HS) … went 2-for-5 and scored one run in two losses at the University of West Alabama last Friday. The Blazers (9-10, 5-4 Gulf South Conference) visit Columbus State University for a doubleheader on Wednesday and host a three-game conference series with Delta State University on Saturday and Sunday.
AVA PERKINS — Lander University (Jr., Cartersville HS) … made starts in five of six games for the Bearkats last week as the team also won five of six on the road at Florida Southern College, Embry-Riddle University (FL), and Georgia Southwestern University. Perkins was 1-for-15 at the plate with one sacrifice hit, five walks, and two runs scored. Lander (13-7, 3-0 Peach Belt Conference) visits USC Beaufort for a three-game conference series on Friday and Saturday.
ALEXIS WOODS — Tennessee State University (Jr., Cass HS) … went 2-for-8 in two losses this past Sunday at the University of Southern Indiana. Woods also walked twice, stole a base, and scored two runs. The weather forced a third game in the series to Monday. TSU (0-12, 0-2 Ohio Valley Conference) hosts a three-game OVC series against Tennessee Tech on Saturday and Sunday.
BASEBALL
CAMERON ADAMS — Shorter University (Fr., Excel Christian Academy) … made a pinch-hitter appearance last Saturday and coaxed a walk in the Hawks’ 9-3 home win over King University (TN). Shorter won two of three games in a weekend series with the Tornado and also defeated Morehouse College on March 3. The Hawks (10-10, 2-10 Conference Carolinas) welcome Emmanuel University (GA) for a three-game conference series on Friday and Saturday.
CURT BONNER — LaGrange College (Sr., Cartersville HS) … the first baseman went 2-for-10, including one walk, one double, two runs, and two RBI as the Panthers dropped two of three games this past weekend in a home-and-home series with Oglethorpe University. LaGrange (10-6) visits Berry College on Tuesday night before playing a three-game Collegiate Conference of the South series at Huntingdon College (AL) on Friday through Sunday.
CALEB DANIEL — Georgia Tech (So., Cartersville HS) … hit safely in all four games and went 6-for-12 last week as the 4th-ranked Yellow Jackets won at Georgia State University and took two of three ACC home games with Virginia Tech. Daniel homered twice, walked three times, and scored three runs. Georgia Tech (14-2, 2-1 Atlantic Coast Conference) welcomes the University of West Georgia on Tuesday night and visits Clemson for a three-game conference series on Thursday through Saturday.
MICAH EARWOOD — Southeastern University (Sr., Cartersville HS) … made three, one-inning relief appearances last week and yielded only one, unearned run on three hits and one hit batter with four strikeouts. His appearances were against Dordt University (IA) on March 3 and Peru State College (NE) last Thursday and Saturday. The Fire (15-6) play Cornerstone University (MI) in Auburndale, Florida on Monday before hosting Warner University (FL) for four Sun Conference games on Thursday through Saturday.
ELLIOTT EASTIN — Covenant College (Jr., Cartersville HS) … the Scots’ outfielder went 4-for-11, including three doubles and one RBI in three games last week — a loss at Sewanee-University of the South on March 3 and a Sunday doubleheader split at home with Ohio Wesleyan University. Covenant (7-6) begins Collegiate Conference of the South play on Friday and Saturday at Asbury University (KY).
COLIN EATON — East Tennessee State University (Sr., Cartersville) … worked a 1-2-3 eighth inning with two flyouts and one groundout last Saturday, but the Buccaneers lost 6-4 at James Madison University. ETSU defeated James Madison on Sunday to salvage one game in a three-game series. They also had a loss at 19th-ranked Tennessee on March 3. The Bucs (10-5) host a four-game series with Bradley University (IL) on Friday through Sunday.
RYAN FARR — Kentucky Christian University (So., Adairsville HS) … took the mound in the ninth inning with baserunners on and struck out two last Friday at West Virginia Tech, but the Golden Bears pushed across the walk-off run in an 8-7 loss for KCU. Farr allowed two earned runs on two hits and one intentional walk. The Knights (6-9, 2-4 River States Conference) host Lourdes University (OH) for a doubleheader on Tuesday and will play a three-game conference series at Shawnee State University (OH) on Friday and Saturday.
AIDAN LARKIN — Georgia Highlands College (Fr., Cartersville HS) … hit safely in all three games for the Chargers last week and went 5-for-10 with two homers, three walks, and four RBI. GHC defeated South Georgia State on March 3 and swept a Saturday doubleheader with Andrew College. The Chargers (23-7, 3-0 Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association) host Gordon State College on Tuesday for two games and East Georgia College for a Saturday doubleheader.
HUNTER LOVETT — Oglethorpe University (Fr., Cass HS) … made relief appearances March 3 at Emory University and this past Saturday at LaGrange College with no decision and no earned runs. Lovett yielded one unearned run on two hits and one walk in a one-inning appearance at Emory. At LaGrange, he hit one batter and walked one, but retired the final out in the seventh inning in an eventual one-run win. The Stormy Petrels were 2-2 for the week. OU (6-5) travels to Huntingdon College (AL) on Tuesday and will host a three-game series on Friday and Saturday with Wabash College (IN).
SAM MELTON — Guilford College (Sr., Cartersville HS) … made a start and saw action defensively at first base and second base on March 4 during an 18-5 home win over Brevard College (NC). He was 0-for-3 with one walk and one RBI. Melton also had a successful pinch hitting appearance last Saturday at Virginia Wesleyan Unviersity, but the Quakers lost 7-0 and finished the week 1-3. Gulford (7-6, 0-2 Old Dominion Athletic Conference) hosts Muskingum University (OH) on Tuesday and a doubleheader on Saturday with Hampden-Sydney College (VA).
LUKE MILLER — Columbus State University (So., Cartersville HS) … made three starts and appeared in all four of the Cougars’ games last week as they went 3-1, winning two of three at USC Aiken and had a home win over the University of Montevallo (AL) on March 3. Miller hit safely in all four games and went 5-for-13 with one hit by pitch, two runs scored, three RBI, and three stolen bases. CSU (11-8, 6-3 Peach Belt Conference) plays a three-game conference series at Georgia College on Friday through Sunday.
AYDEN RAY — USC Lancaster (So., Woodland HS) … appeared in three of four games last week for the Lancers and went 2-for-11 at the plate with one homer, one walk, and two RBI. USC Lancaster (10-6, 1-1 NJCAA Region 10) welcomes USC Sumter on Saturday for a doubleheader.
DREW ROTHSCHILD — Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (Sr., Cartersville HS) … made three starts at third base and went 1-for-9, including two walks, one run scored, and three RBI, as the Stallions won two of three home games against 9th-ranked Loyola University New Orleans. ABAC (16-8, 3-3 Southern States Athletic Conference) hosts Brewton-Parker Christian University for a three-game conference series on Friday and Saturday.
DAVIS WILLIAMS — University of West Georgia (R-Jr., Cartersville HS) … made two mound appearances this past weekend in a series at Wichita State and collected his first pitching win of the year on Sunday. He hit one batter, but otherwise faced the minimum in a shutout fifth inning on Sunday as the Wolves topped the Shockers 13-11. In a seventh-inning no-decision relief appearance on Saturday, Williams allowed one earned run on two hits and one hit batter as UWG won 5-4. The Wolves (3-13) visit Georgia Tech on Tuesday night before beginning Atlantic Sun Conference play this weekend at home against Jacksonville University (FL).
SAWYER WILSON — Columbus State University (So., Cartersville HS) … made a five-inning start and picked up his third win of the season last Friday as the Cougars beat USC Aiken 5-3. Wilson gave up three runs (two earned) on six hits and two walks. He struck out two of 21 batters faced. CSU won three of four games last week, taking two of three against USCA and defeating the University of Montevallo at home on March 3. The Cougars (11-8, 6-3 Peach Belt Conference) travel to Milledgeville this weekend for a three-game conference series at Georgia College on Friday through Sunday.
BEACH VOLLEYBALL
AILEE ENGLAND — Berry College (So., Cartersville HS) … teamed with partner Kaylee Howell on Line 3 and won all three matches at the Berry Kick-Off this past Friday and Saturday. The duo beat opponents from Tennessee Tech twice and LaGrange College, as the Vikings also won all three team matches. Berry (9-3) travels to Lakeland, Florida, to play Emmanuel University (GA) and Florida Southern College on Wednesday. The Vikings then play in the Eckerd College Tournament in St. Petersburg on Friday and Saturday, facing Catawba College, Eckerd, and Erskine College.
LONDON MOULTRIE — Wingate University (So., Cartersville HS) … won a Line 3 match with partner Amelia Talbott this past Saturday as the Bulldogs blanked Emmanuel College (GA) 5-0 in Greeneville, Tennessee. She was also on the losing side in three other Line 3 matches on Friday and Saturday, alongside partner Lilly DeLamielleure, as Wingate fell to Erskine College, Carson-Newman University, and Tusculum University. The Bulldogs (1-3) host Morehead State University on Wednesday before playing Tusculum and the University of Lynchburg on Friday at the Austin Peay Tournament in Clarksville, Tennessee.
TENNIS
EMILY BUSH — University of North Georgia (Sr., Cartersville HS) … won her Line 5 singles match 7-6, 7-5, 6-2 and won 6-4 at Line 2 doubles with partner Linn Goerdes on March 2 as the Nighthawks blanked Carson-Newman University 7-0. UNG (6-2) plays Lee University, the University of Indianapolis, and the University of Texas-Tyler this Monday through Thursday at the Scenic City College Tennis Spring Break Showcase in Chattanooga.
SYDNEY COPPOLA — Berry College (So., Cass HS) … paired with teammate Charlee Eidson at Line 3 doubles this past Sunday as the Vikings swept three doubles matches against Pfeiffer University (NC) at Hilton Head, South Carolina. A rain downpour halted all the singles matches, which were incomplete. Berry (2-5) is scheduled to face Fairmont State University (WV) on Tuesday and Georgetown College (KY) on Thursday while in Hilton Head.
WRESTLING
LEE CAMP — Reinhardt University (So., Cass HS) … went 1-2 in the 133-pound weight class at the 2026 NAIA National Championship Tournament in Park City, Kansas, this past weekend. The Eagles finished tied for 25th.
BRYCE KRESHO — Franklin & Marshall College (Sr., Cass HS) … went 3-2 in the 141-pound weight class and placed fifth at the EIWA Championships last Friday and Saturday in Washington, D.C. The Diplomats placed ninth at the 12-team tournament.
CADEN McCRARY — Reinhardt University (Sr., Woodland HS) … went 5-2 in the 141-pound weight class and placed fourth in the nation at the 2026 NAIA National Championship Tournament in Park City, Kansas, this past weekend. The Eagles finished tied for 25th.
HAYDEN SANTORA — Reinhardt University (So., Woodland HS) … went 0-2 in the 165-pound weight class at the 2026 NAIA National Championship Tournament in Park City, Kansas, this past weekend. The Eagles finished tied for 25th.
BASKETBALL
ZION HAYES — Vincennes University (So., Cass HS) … scored 13 points on March 3 in a home loss to Southwestern Illinois College. She added seven rebounds, two assists, and one steal. This past Sunday in the NJCAA Region 24 Tournament quarterfinals, Hayes poured in 26 points on 9-of-15 shooting from the field, including three three-pointers and seven rebounds. The Trailblazers (20-9) advanced to the tournament semifinals hosted at Lake Land College (IL) to face Wabash Valley College (IL) on Tuesday night.
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