ELLISVILLE – Expectations are always high for Jones College softball.
 
Under head coach Tori Dew, the Bobcats finished as NJCAA Division II runner-up in 2025, posting a 52-10 record. Dew has guided Jones to a 91-25 record in her two years as head coach.
 
Dew said the Bobcats, ranked No. 4 in the NJCAA preseason poll, expect to continue their success in 2026.
 
"Another year, but the standard remains the same: win games," she said. "We've recruited players who we believe can carry on the tradition of what it means to represent Jones College. We discuss what it means to represent this college and program. When they understand that it's bigger than themselves, that's when the tradition lives on."
 
The Bobcats return 10 players from last season and have added two transfers.
 
Outfielders Claire Andersen (Wayne Academy), Laney Little (Mize) and Farrah James (Ocean Springs), along with infielders Marlee Dampeer (Puckett), Reagan Dale (DeSoto Central) and Lillian Evans (East Central) return. Catcher Addy Shorter (Oxford) is back along with pitchers Breelyn Cain (West Lauderdale) and Anna Grace Whitehead (Kosciusko). Mikayla Baumgartner (Wilmer, Ala.) is a pitcher/infielder who returns.
 
Two Mississippi Gulf Coast transfers round out the sophomore group – catcher Annaston Tate (Wayne County) and pitcher/outfielder Abigail Lindsey (Decatur, Ala.).
 
Eleven talented freshmen have been added to the mix, including outfielders Morgan Taylor (Petal) and Fairley Hall (Gulfport), infielders Chloe Jenkins (Brandon), Logan Mansur (Walker, La.), Makynlee Dickerson (Kosciusko) and Mary Kimble Price (Kosciusko), pitcher Morgan Landry (New Roads, La.), catcher Makenzie Houston (South Panola) and utility player Gracie Drinkwine (Petal). Mabry Eason (Lafayette) and Madison Sawyer (Saraland, Ala.) are listed as pitcher/infielders.
 
Dew is happy with the mix of newcomers and freshmen.
 
"I love that we have balance as far as experience and new faces," she said. "Personalities have been growing and blending well in the locker room and translating to the field. I never view our players as freshmen and sophomores as each class has importance in what we have a vision to do.
 
"I go back to this team's ability to be versatile and win in different ways. The team's blend of experience and new talent allows for a dynamic and adaptable approach to each game, ensuring success through diversity."
 
Jones played several senior colleges in the fall and have had intense practices this spring. Dew is pleased with what she has seen.
 
"When I look at this team, I see a great deal of dynamic elements to what we will be able to do," she said. "We have a good mixture of tools this team will be able to use to be competitive and win ball games. We have looked and progressed well throughout our preseason practices and scrimmages. 
 
"Each player has continued to push their limits and elevate the player working beside them. This year, the team has the potential to achieve great things, thanks to the players' dedication, commitment and growth during preseason."
 
In addition to usual strong MACCC schedule, the Bobcats will be participating in three prestigious tournaments. Jones will play in the Panama City Beach Juco Softball Showdown (Feb. 6-7) in Florida, the Coastal Alabama Coyote Classic (Feb. 13-14) in Gulf Shores, Ala., and the Choccolocco Park Juco Extravaganza (Feb. 19-21) in Oxford, Ala.
 
Dew said those games are key to helping the Bobcats improve their play.
 
"Participating in tournaments has been instrumental in our team's overall development and growth," she said. "The exposure to a wide array of competitive styles and different playing approaches has been invaluable. I am consistently impressed by how our players are quickly adapting their plans to meet the challenges presented by each opponent. 
 
"A key benefit of our non-conference schedule is the opportunity to compete against teams that have previously competed in the World Series. This provides our team with a challenging experience that sets us apart and helps us to prepare for the highest levels of competition."
 
There are five teams from the MACCC that are ranked in the NJCAA DII preseason poll. Defending champion Copiah-Lincoln is No. 2, Jones is No. 4, Pearl River is No. 7, Itawamba is No. 12 and Northwest is No. 20.
 
Dew said that's the norm when it comes to softball.
 
"The MACCC is the toughest league in the country," she said. "Year after year teams continue to progress and get better. Any conference series is tough. Co Lin, Pearl River and Itawamba will be programs to keep a close eye on this year."
 
Dew will be assisted again this season by pitching coach Parker Conrad and Drew Fiala. She is very pleased with her staff.
 
"I am fortunate to be surrounded by an exceptional coaching staff," she said. "Parker Conrad is returning for her fifth year, leading our pitching staff. She has been a key component of our team's success since joining us. While managing a pitching staff is challenging, she has consistently enhanced their ability and understanding of what is needed to be successful. 
 
"Drew Fiala is also back for his third year on staff. Coach Fiala has been instrumental in our program's success. He has dedicated himself to understanding what is needed for the program's growth. The contributions often go unnoticed, but these two coaches invest significant time and effort to ensure our program's success. I am honored to work alongside them daily."
 
The Bobcats open the season with a home doubleheader at Community Bank Park/Gwen Magee Field on Feb. 2 vs. Bishop State.