Jones Named To Preseason All-SoCon Squad

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The preseason attention got underway for the Mercer softball team on Thursday afternoon when sophomore infielder/pitcher Grace Jones was among 22 players named to the 2026 Preseason All-Southern Conference squad.

The announcement accompanied the preseason coaches' poll which has Mercer, the defending Southern Conference champions, listed fifth among the eight league squads. UNC Greensboro picked up four of its available first-place votes on the way to 43 points, while Chattanooga and Samford finished in a tie for second with 37 points apiece. Wofford rounded out the top 5 with 32 points.

Jones, a sophomore from Jacksonville, Fla., was named to the 2025 SoCon All-Freshman Team last season after hitting .307 (59-for-192) with 10 extra-base hits (4 HR), 44 RBI and 34 runs scored. Also made seven appearances (six starts) in the circle for the Orange & Black, striking out 17 batters in 26-2/3 innings pitched. She tallied a trio of wins as a pitcher, including a complete game victory over Florida A&M.

The Bears will open up their 40^th season of intercollegiate softball, Feb. 6-8, when they host the 4-team Heart of Georgia Classic at Sikes Field.

Players Mentioned

Grace Jones

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