INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – The NCAA has just released the first regional rankings for Division II softball, and Winona State is on the radar in the central region. This season, schools are listed alphabetically as "under consideration."
Currently, the Warriors have a solid record of 32 wins and 11 losses, boasting a 15-5 mark within the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). They are gearing up for a busy weekend with doubleheaders scheduled against Southwest Minnesota State and Augustana. Other NSIC teams, including Augustana, Minnesota Duluth, and Minnesota State, are also vying for a spot in the central region rankings.
The NCAA Central Region includes 40 teams from three conferences: the NSIC, the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA), and the Great American Conference (GAC). Each conference champion secures an automatic bid to the tournament, while five additional spots are filled based on at-large selections.
This championship will see 64 teams compete across 16 regional sites in a double-elimination format. The top teams from these regions will move on to a best-of-three super regional, leading to a championship series determining the national champion.
Mark your calendars: the NCAA softball selections will be announced on May 5 on NCAA.com. The championship events will take place from May 22-28 at Frost Stadium in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
In recent years, Division II softball has gained wider attention, with increased viewership and participation. According to a survey by the NCAA, attendance at women’s college sports events has seen a steady rise, showcasing a growing interest in these competitions. The investment in women’s programs is not just beneficial for the athletes, but also for universities looking to enhance their athletic reputations.
For the latest updates on Winona State athletics, check out their official site at WINONASTATEWARRIORS.com or follow them on Twitter @WinonaStateATH.