Charlotte, NC – Bluefield State University softball has been selected 7^th in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) predicted order of finish as announced by the CIAA on Wednesday. Senior Paige Whittington has been named to the Preseason All-CIAA Team.

The Big Blue finished the 2025 season with an overall record of 14-30 and 6-10 in conference play. Senior Outfielder Paige Whittington led the Big Blue with a .394 average (142 ABs) on 56 hits, including seven doubles, six triples, one home run, and 22 RBIs. Whittington also had 42 stolen bases on 43 attempts.

Fellow senior Julianna Costanzo finished with a .358 average during the 2026 season, collecting 28 hits, including 4 doubles, three homeruns, and 22 RBIs.

The Big Blue will open their season in Harrogate, Tennessee, against Tiffin University (Ohio) and Wayne State University on February 14^th. The following weekend, the Big Blue will participate in the HBCU Softball Classic in Montgomery, Alabama competing against Miles College, Tuskegee University, Alabama A&M, Mississippi Valley State and Jackson State.

2026 CIAA Softball Predicted Order of Finish 
 

1. Bowie State University 

2. Claflin University 

3. Winston-Salem State University 

4. Virginia State University 

5. Fayetteville State University 

6. Lincoln University (PA) 

7. Bluefield State University 

8. Virginia Union University 

9. Shaw University 

10. Elizabeth City State University 

11. Livingstone College 

12. Johnson C. Smith University 

2026 Preseason All CIAA Softball Team 
 

· Pitcher: Jyla Thomas, Winston-Salem State University 

· Catcher: Jeniah Williams, Claflin University 

· First Base: Mylia Knight, Virginia State University 

· Second Base: Aniyah Jackson, Claflin University 

· Third Base: Treja Patterson, Fayetteville State University 

· Shortstop: Taylor Dawkins, Bowie State University 

· Outfield: Lauren Parham, Virginia State University 

· Outfield: Paige Whittington, Bluefield State University 

· Outfield: Coreena Dunham, Bowie State University 

· Designated Player: Aaliyah Rodriguez, Winston-Salem State University 

· Utility Player: Taylor Dawkins, Bowie State University