COLUMBUS, Ga.- The Columbus State University softball team is gearing up to host Division I ACC team Georgia Tech at Cougar Field for a fall scrimmage this Saturday, Oct. 7, at noon.

"We are very excited about hosting a Division I ACC team at our place. It means a lot that they think our playing surface is up to par for them to come play on, but more importantly, it shows respect to our program that they know we will be a good fall competition for them as they get ready for the upcoming season," stated head coach Brad Huskisson. "It is an invaluable experience for our team." 

The Cougars are coming off a memorable season after going 46-16 overall, 24-3 in conference play, and an impressive 27-0 regular season record at home. The team competed in the NCAA DII Softball Southeast Regional Championship, where they ended their historic season. 

The Yellow Jackets of Georgia Tech finished the 2023 season with a 26-27 overall record and a 7-17 ACC conference record. Head coach Aileen Morales, a native of Columbus, is entering her seventh season at Georgia Tech.  

Last fall season, the Cougars were able to scrimmage the Florida State Seminoles, who went on to become the 2023 National Runners-Up in the Women's College World Series. "I believe playing Florida State last fall showed some of our weaknesses and allowed us to come back and turn them into strengths. I firmly believe we had the success we did because of us playing Florida State last year, and I expect the same approach from our team this fall," said Huskisson. 

This is the first time the softball program has had a Division I school come to Cougar Field, and head coach Huskisson wishes to see everyone there to support the two teams and the game of softball in general.