COLUMBUS — The Columbus State University Softball team earned a trip to the NCAA Division II Softball Tournament after putting together another strong season under head coach Brad Huskisson.

The Cougars enter postseason play with a 35-21 overall record and a 20-7 mark in Peach Belt Conference play. Columbus State also reached the Peach Belt Conference Tournament Championship game, continuing one of the program's most consistent postseason stretches.

Huskisson added another milestone to his accomplished career during the 2026 season, recording his 700th career coaching victory. The Cougars also reached the 30-win mark for the 11th time under Huskinson's leadership.

Columbus State was led offensively by outfielder Aubree Ussery, who put together a standout season at the plate. Ussery started all 54 games and hit .385 with a 1.048 OPS, 67 hits, 13 doubles, 10 home runs, 47 RBI's, and 110 total bases. She also posted a .632 slugging percentage and a .416 on-base percentage. Defensively, Ussery recorded 53 putouts, three assists, and just one error for a .982 fielding percentage.

In the circle, Khloe Shears served as one of the Cougars' top pitching standouts. Shears posted a 19-8 record with a 2.94 ERA across 32 appearances and 23 starts. She threw 14 complete games, recorded four shutouts, and added one save over 157.1 innings pitched. Shears allowed 66 earned runs while striking out 47 batters.

The Cougars also received leadership from five seniors throughout the season. Catchers Nova Wright and Holly Lynn, infielders Kara Wegienka and Mary-Catherine Sorrell, and outfielder Anna Waites helped guide Columbus State through another successful campaign and back into the national tournament field.

No. 4-seeded Columbus State will open NCAA Southeast Regional play against No. 5-seeded Lander University on Thursday, May 14, at 4:30 p.m. at Haines & Carolyn Hill Stadium in Dahlonega, Ga.

Fans can follow the action through NCAA Championship Pass and Live Stats.