AUGUSTA, Ga. | With the Peach Belt Conference Tournament set to begin Saturday, the league announced its 2026 Women's Soccer All-Conference awards Friday, with Columbus State University junior defender Ui Suzuki being named the PBC Defensive Player of the Year.

Suzuki started all 17 matches for the No. 5-ranked Cougars and anchored a Columbus State defense that allowed just 20 goals during the regular season for a 1.18 goals-against average, which ranked third in the conference.

The Cougars were even stronger in Peach Belt play, allowing just nine goals over nine conference matches for a 1.00 goals-against average. The nine goals allowed tied for the fewest in the league.

Suzuki helped Columbus State record five shutouts during the season, including three against PBC opponents. She also contributed offensively with one goal and one assist for three points.

With the honor, Suzuki becomes the third Columbus State player to be named PBC Defensive Player of the Year, joining Heidi Harris in 2024 and Carley Canzoneri in 2022.