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St. Vincent’s softball is back in the Sweet 16. How did the Saints get here?

By Special to the Prep Sports Report | October 19, 2026

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The St. Vincent’s Academy Saints are headed to Round Two of the GHSA state playoffs for the first time in six years. The Saints last appeared in the state playoffs in 2020, when their postseason run ended in the first round. Now, after a year-long hiatus, a new coaching staff, and a determined group of standout seniors, the Saints are back and ready to prove themselves. With a 5-7 regional record and a 10-11 overall record this season, the Saints are working to rebuild a program they truly love. 

The Saints have been led by new coaches Katherine McKenzie and Alana Sandefur, who came ready to bring some new energy into this program. This season has been about more than wins and losses. It has been about bringing the team back together, creating a new culture, and laying the foundation for SVA Softball's future.

Senior player Josie Pigman said the following about her last season back on the field: “I have been playing softball since Little League, so being able to finish out this chapter of my softball journey 10 years later, alongside my fellow seniors, has made this season even more special. It has been an incredible experience to share the field with them one last time, and we are all excited to see what the future holds for this team and the continued growth of the program.”

The four seniors' leadership this season has played an important role in the team's success, setting an example for younger teammates and helping build a foundation that will last long after their final game.

The Saints will take on Prince Avenue Christian on Monday, October 19th in Oconee County. With Prince Avenue Christian currently ranked No. 1, the Saints look forward to competing against one of the state's top programs.

No matter the outcome, this season has already marked an exciting new chapter for St. Vincent’s Academy Softball. From rebuilding the program to making history with a second-round playoff appearance, these Saints have shown what happens when a team comes together with a shared purpose.


St. Vincent’s Academy 2026 Softball Roster

Seniors: Reece Prewitt (No. 4), Katherine Ryan (No. 7), Josie Pigman (No. 10) and Emily Ryan (No. 13).

Juniors: Amelia Spence (No. 6), Lily Prewitt (No. 11), Reese Moore (No. 14), Zoe Norris (No. 16) and Tekla Thompson (No. 19).

Sophomore: Caroline Mercer (No. 3).

Freshmen: Hope Butler (No. 2), Vivian Bernard (No. 5) and Skylar Kelly (No. 8).

Coaching staff: Katherine McKenzie, head coach; Alana Sandefur, assistant coach.

Athletic trainer: Autumn Parsons.


GHSA State Softball Playoffs

Monday, Oct. 19, 2026

Class Private | Sweet 16 | Best-of-Three Series

No. 16 St. Vincent’s Academy at No. 1 Prince Avenue Christian

First game: 1:30 p.m.

The first two games are scheduled for Monday, with a third game, if necessary, on Tuesday, Oct. 20.


Photo credit: Courtesy of St. Vincent’s Academy

Follow Prep Sports Report on X @PrepSav and Instagram @savannahsportsreport.

To share scores, story ideas or corrections, email kdemasi@prepsportsreport.com or text 912-507-9158.


Optim Orthopedics is a proud supporter of St. Vincent’s Academy athletics.

Optim Orthopedics team physicians include Dr. Don Aaron (Bryan County), Dr. David Sedory (Benedictine, Bradwell Institute and Liberty County), Dr. David Palmer (Calvary Day, Richmond Hill and South Effingham), and Dr. Thomas Alexander (Savannah Country Day and St. Vincent’s Academy).

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The "Coach" Karl DeMasi has been teaching and coaching for the past 35 years on all levels of academia and athletics. One of his hobbies has been writing, announcing and talking about sports. DeMasi has been involved in the Savannah Area sports scene since 1995, and he created the high school magazine "The Prep Sports Report" in 2000. In 2010, the "Coach" started broadcasting The Karl DeMasi Sports Report. He's still going strong, broadcasting on Facebook live and Twitter live every Saturday morning. You gotta love it!


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