The SUNY Corning Community College softball team captured the 2026 NJCAA Region III A Championship on Sunday, defeating Jefferson Community College 4-1 and 10-1 to earn a spot in the NJCAA National Championship Tournament.
The regional title is the ninth in program history and the Red Barons’ fifth championship in the past six seasons.
With the victory, SUNY CCC advances to the NJCAA National Championship Tournament, scheduled for May 20-23 at Carrier Park in DeWitt.
“Winning a Region III Championship is an exciting experience and I am so proud of this team for reaching their goal and getting the satisfaction that all their hard work and dedication was rewarded,” Head Coach Stacy Johnson said. “Playing in the NJCAA College World Series is a special experience and I am so happy that this team has earned that privilege.”
Director of Athletics Isaac Bushey praised the team’s effort and success on its home field.
“Winning another Region III Championship on our home field and earning the opportunity to represent the Red Barons at the national tournament is something these student-athletes and coaches truly deserve,” Bushey said.
SUNY CCC was led in game one by pitcher Chloe Perritt of Horseheads, who threw a complete game and allowed just one run while striking out nine batters to earn her 17th win of the season.
Marlee Stanton, Makenna Dunbar, and Stella White each drove in runs for the Red Barons. White added a solo home run in the fourth inning.
In game two, Kailey Gardner tossed a complete-game victory, striking out five batters while allowing one run for her 13th win of the season.
Offensively, Stella White went 3-for-3 with three RBIs and a run scored. Dominika Diaz crossed the plate three times, while Stanton and Dunbar each scored twice.
Johnson said the team’s chemistry has been key to its success this season.
“They celebrate each other’s success as much as their own success and it has been a fun thing to be involved with,” Johnson said. “They play for each other and keep believing until the last out.”
White was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, while Perritt and Ashlyn Courson earned All-Tournament Team honors.
Several Red Barons also received NJCAA All-Region recognition. Erika David, Eliza Lane, Dominika Diaz, and Makenna Dunbar were named to the All-Region First Team, while Ava Sherman earned Second Team honors.
Johnson was also named NJCAA Region III Coach of the Year for the 11th time in her career.
