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Belmont Today
By the People, for the People
Belmont Softball Continues Impressive Run With Wins Over Ranked SEC Foes
The Bruins' ace Maya Johnson has led the team to multiple upsets of top programs this season.
Published on Feb. 23, 2026
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The Belmont Bruins softball team has continued its impressive start to the 2026 season, notching wins over ranked SEC opponents Mississippi State and another unnamed SEC school. The team's ace pitcher, Maya Johnson, has been the driving force behind the Bruins' success, blanking both ranked SEC teams. While Johnson can't pitch every game, the Bruins have shown they can compete with some of the top programs in the country.
Why it matters
Belmont's performance this season has put the rest of the country on notice. As a mid-major program, the Bruins are proving they can hang with the powerhouses of college softball, raising questions about whether they could potentially host a regional tournament come postseason time.
The details
Maya Johnson, Belmont's standout pitcher, has been dominant in the circle, blanking both Mississippi State and another unnamed ranked SEC opponent this season. The Bruins' offense, while not as potent as some other mid-major contenders, has been able to support Johnson's strong pitching performances. Belmont's brand of aggressive, scrappy softball has made them a tough out for any opponent.
- Belmont defeated Mississippi State on February 20, 2026.
- Belmont defeated another unnamed ranked SEC school earlier this season.
The players
Maya Johnson
Belmont's ace pitcher who has led the team to multiple upsets of ranked SEC opponents this season.
Belmont Bruins
A mid-major softball program that has emerged as a contender this season, notching wins over ranked SEC teams.
What they’re saying
“Teams aren't going to sign up to host her and the Bruins.”
— Maya Johnson
The takeaway
Belmont's success this season has shown that mid-major programs can compete with the top teams in the country, raising the possibility that the Bruins could host a regional tournament come postseason time and potentially make a deep run.
