POPLARVILLE, Miss. — With a roster built on talent, toughness and speed, the No. 7 Pearl River softball team will look to take the program to new heights in 2026.

"I think this is one of the most talented teams that we've had," head coach Christie Meeks said. "What's really cool about them is I feel like they're one of the toughest groups we've had too."

That competitiveness has shown itself throughout the preseason, particularly during intrasquad play.

"I think both sides of the ball are really good," Meeks said. "They've battled back-and-forth through scrimmages, and that's strengthened our pitchers and hitters. Our hitters are seeing some of the toughest pitching, and it's the same for our pitchers. That's cool to see every day."

Speed figures to be another defining characteristic for the Wildcats.

"We're going to be fast — probably faster than we've ever been," Meeks said. "We have several kids who could steal a base at any time. This group is solid in what they do day in and day out, but I know we are going to have a ton of speed."

"AG's confidence coming in this year has been immaculate," Meeks said. "She's a true leader and has been great at guiding our freshmen."

Freshmen Ann Elise Duncan (McComb; Brookhaven Academy) and Teegan DeWitt (Pass Christian; Hancock) are also expected to compete for starts. Duncan recorded 233 strikeouts with a 1.41 ERA across 123 2/3 innings during her senior season, while DeWitt wrapped up her high school career with 743 strikeouts and a 1.03 ERA in 450 1/3 innings pitched.

"Ann Elise and Tegan have been able to feed off AG's experience and have grown tremendously since joining us," Meeks said. "They both had incredible high school careers, and we hope to see them continue to grow."

Kai Goodman (New Orleans, La.; John Curtis) and Caroline Woodward (Gulfport) will provide additional depth in the circle. Goodman tossed 9 2/3 innings as a freshman, while Woodward gives the Wildcats a left-handed option.

"Kai has embraced her role for us," Meeks said. "She commands it well. Caroline is a true utility player and will give us a left-handed option with a lot of command."

Pearl River was hit with injury adversity behind the plate as returning catcher Cailey Pervel (Carriere; Pearl River Central) will miss the 2026 season. The Wildcats will turn to newcomers Taylor Foster (Petal) and Farley Harris (Daphne, Ala.) to fill the role. Foster hit .407 with 28 RBIs and 12 extra-base hits as a senior, while Harris posted a .333 average with 33 RBIs.

"Losing Pervel hurt, but she's been such a good teammate and an encouraging mentor," Meeks said. "Taylor and Farley are hungry and eager to learn. I'm excited to see them lead and command the field."

First base will feature several options depending on matchups. Maeli Ben (Conehatta; Newton County) returns after hitting .331 with 10 extra-base hits and 20 RBIs as a freshman. Four-time Sun Herald All-South selection Woodward hit .366 as a senior and adds a left-handed bat, while freshman Shania Fondren (Batesville; South Panola) will also see time after batting .494 and finishing her prep career as South Panola's all-time home run leader.

One of the state's most decorated freshmen, Jaycee Holifield (Laurel; Stringer), is set to step into the second base role. Holifield played six seasons of varsity softball and slashed .510/.592/.921, totaling 74 doubles, 24 home runs and 15 triples. Zion Seals (Shannon; Nettleton) could also see time at the position.

"Jaycee has done a phenomenal job at second base," Meeks said. "She's a great leader and has unmatched passion for the game."

On the left side of the infield, Goodman and Fondren will split time based on opponent. Goodman led off for the Wildcats in 2025, hitting .401 and setting a school record with 51 stolen bases.

"Kai and Nia are both bats we want to keep in the lineup," Meeks said. "Who plays the position will depend on the type of speed we need that day."

Northwest Florida transfer Anastasia Acree (Mobile, Ala.; Alma Bryant) and Zion Seals ( Shannon; Nettleton) will both see time as Pearl River's shortstop. 

"Ana is quiet, but she commands the field well," Meeks said. "She's always where she's supposed to be, and her range is fantastic. She will be a force at the plate. Zion is aggressive and fast in everything she does. They both are amazing athletes."

The outfield is largely set with the return of Rawlings Gold Glove selection Emmaleigh Theriot (Prairieville, La.; St. Amant) in left field and team captain Natalee Eaves (Louisville; Choctaw Central) in center. Theriot hit .285 with four doubles and a triple while stealing 41 bases, second-most in a single season in program history.

"Emmaleigh continues to  solidify her place in left field, and we've been able to move her around in the lineup to create balance," Meeks said.

Eaves hit .394 with 20 extra-base hits and 30 stolen bases as a freshman.

"Nat will lock down center field this year, and we're moving her into the two-hole," Meeks said. "She's a special person and leads not just with her words, but her actions."

TICKETS
Season and single-game tickets are on sale now at PRCCAthletics.com/Tickets. Season tickets are $70. Single-game tickets are $9 if purchased in advance or $11 if purchased on game day.

TUNE IN
All home Pearl River baseball games are livestreamed for free at PRCCMedia.com/Gold. Fans with Roku, Amazon Fire or Apple TV devices can also watch the Wildcat broadcasts by downloading the "Pearl River CC" channel from their app stores.

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