BEVERLY, Mass. — The 2026 Conference of New England (CNE) Softball Championship sets up as one of the most balanced fields in recent years, with No. 2 Roger Williams University entering postseason play backed by elite production across all three phases and a roster filled with top-tier individual performers based on conference rankings.
Roger Williams' success begins with its lineup, which is not built around just one standout but instead features multiple hitters ranked among the conference leaders. Shannon Starratt (Lake George, N.Y.) enters the tournament ranked 4th in batting average (.417) and 4th in slugging (.713) while also sitting 3rd in OPS (1.217), establishing herself as one of the most complete hitters in the league. Starratt is joined by Hailey Williams (Vernon, Conn.), who ranks 16th in batting average (.372) and 18th in OPS (.945), and McKenzie Foley (Hanover, Mass.), who sits 19th in batting (.361) and 23rd in OPS (.936). Lucy Maurao (Holliston, Mass.) adds further depth, ranking 29th in batting (.348) and 30th in OPS (.907), while also tying for 7th in runs scored (29) in the conference.
The Hawks' offensive consistency is further highlighted in the hits column, where Williams and Starratt are tied for 3rd in the conference with 48 hits apiece, while Foley (39) and Maurao (40) also rank among the league leaders. Starratt is also third in the league for RBI with 34. This depth has powered Roger Williams to a .317 team batting average, ranking third in the conference.
In the circle, Roger Williams separates itself from the rest of the field with unmatched depth. Raegen Germano (Old Tappan, N.J.) ranks 3rd in ERA (2.51) while also sitting 2nd in opposing batting average (.187) and 3rd in strikeouts (96). She is complemented by Natalie Lundari (Flemington, N.J.), who ranks 4th in ERA (2.58), and Keira Quadros (East Providence, R.I.), who sits 5th in ERA (2.66) and among the conference leaders in strikeouts. The trio gives the Hawks three pitchers ranked inside the top five in ERA, a significant advantage in a tournament format that demands depth.
Defensively, the Hawks again showcase their completeness. Adrianna Amaral (Taunton, Mass.) and Nicolette Fraser (Swampscott, Mass.) both hold perfect 1.000 fielding percentages, while Skye Merrow (Hudson, N.H.) (.991) and Williams (.990) rank inside the conference's top ten. That defensive reliability has translated to a league-best .973 team fielding percentage, a critical edge in postseason play.
Johnson & Wales enters the tournament with the most explosive offense in the conference. The Wildcats lead the CNE in batting average (.332), slugging percentage (.525), and home runs (35), while also totaling 207 RBIs and 505 total bases. Their lineup is anchored by Mady Lyons, who ranks 1st in batting average (.514), slugging (1.057), on-base percentage (.570), and OPS (1.627), while also leading the conference in hits (54). Lyons is complemented by Morgan Pelletier, who ranks 2nd in batting (.449), 2nd in slugging (.833), and 2nd in OPS (1.316). Additional contributors such as Hailey Cardiello (.397), Ashley Bergeron (.365), and Jessica Forneiro (.330) give the Wildcats depth throughout the lineup, though their 4.70 team ERA ranks seventh in the conference and presents a potential vulnerability.
Endicott, the top seed, counters with balance and elite pitching. Abby McClaflin ranks 3rd in batting average (.429) and 2nd in on-base percentage (.523), while Kylyn McLaren (.409) provides additional offensive strength. In the circle for the Gulls, Analise Grady leads the conference with a 1.83 ERA.
Hartford enters with momentum after advancing through the opening round with wins over Wentworth and then WNE, and brings a capable offense led by Alina Weaver (.411), who ranks 5th in batting average and 3rd in on-base percentage (.514). Gia Miccio (.391) and Alyssa Edwards (.365) add depth, giving the Hawks multiple threats capable of producing against top competition.
Taken together, the numbers illustrate a clear contrast in team identities. Johnson & Wales brings offensive firepower, Endicott offers balance anchored by dominant pitching, and Hartford relies on offensive pressure and momentum. Roger Williams stands out as the most complete team, combining top-tier pitching, strong defensive play, and a deep, consistent lineup.
That balance now carries into a bracket that begins Thursday with No. 2 Roger Williams taking on No. 3 Johnson & Wales, while top-seeded Endicott faces No. 5 Hartford after Hartford navigated through the opening round.
The tournament continues Thursday with an elimination game between the quarterfinal losers. On Friday, action starts with a winner's bracket semifinal between the two advancing teams followed by another elimination contest, where the winner of Thursdays loser's bracket quarterfinal plays for a spot in the championship round. The championship begins Saturday, with the winner's bracket team needing just one victory to secure the title, while the challenger must win twice to claim the championship, setting up a potential winner-take-all game on Sunday if necessary.
For all bracket information, please head to the CNE website, here.
