BOSTON – The 2026 season got underway over the weekend with four teams in action. Binghamton picked up their first win of the season against Power-4 opponent, Syracuse. The Bearcats had a solid showing against two ranked opponents, only allowing four runs in game one against #19 Virginia Tech. Bryant started the weekend with two wins against Abilene Christian University and look to continue to the solid start this weekend at Chapel Hill. UMass Lowell opened the season going two for five with wins over St. Thomas and UTEP. Maine opened up the season at the Heart of Georgia Classic, defeating North Carolina A&T.
Five of the six #AESB programs are in action this week, including UMBC and UAlbany making their season debuts.
The preseason honors were announced on January 20.
2026 #AESB Weekly Award Winner – Feb. 9
Player of the Week
Emma Lawson, Binghamton – Sr., Catcher, Monroe, N.Y.
- Lawson went 6-for-15 (.400) with two doubles and three RBI at the Gamecock Invitational
- Finished the weekend with a .533 slugging percentage and a .500 on-base percentage.
- This is Lawson’s third #AESB Player of the Week honor.
Pitcher of the Week
Brianna Roberts, Binghamton – Sr., Pitcher, Monroe, N.Y.
- Roberts won her first game of the season, scattering one run on six hits and striking out eight batters in a complete-game victory over Syracuse. In her other start of the weekend, Roberts held No. 12 South Carolina to one run through the first four innings before allowing four earned runs in the fifth inning.
- Finished the weekend 1-1 with a 3.04 ERA against a pair of Power-4 Conference teams.
- This is Robert’s first #AESB Pitcher of the Week honor this year after being name to the Preseason All-Conference Team
Rookie of the Week
Julia Rowley, UMass Lowell – Fr., Infielder, Rexford, N.Y.
- In her first five collegiate games, Rowley batted .571 with a .786 slugging percentage.
- Totaled eight hits, two RBI, and three doubles.
- This is Rowleys’ first-ever #AESB Rookie of the Week honor.
The preseason poll was released on January 20.
2026 #AESB Weekly Award Winners
Feb. 9 – Player of the Week: Emma Lawson, Binghamton; Pitcher of the Week: Brianna Roberts, Binghamton; Rookie of the Week: Julia Rowley, UMass Lowell
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