The Bellevue University softball team will be heading to Oklahoma City, Okla. on May 13-15 to compete in the NAIA Softball National Championship Opening Round. The Bruins will open play on May 13 against Freed-Hardeman University at noon at Ann Lacy Field.
The Opening Round will consist of 10 four-team double-elimination tournaments across the country with the 10 winners competing in the NAIA Softball National Championship final site on May 24-30 in Columbus, Ga. This is the first season the NAIA has used the Opening Round format for softball.
Bellevue (39-9/14-3 MCAC) earned an automatic berth into the National Tournament after winning the MCAC Tournament last Saturday in Conway, Ark. The Bruins shut out Central Baptist College, 4-0, in the championship game.
Participants in the Oklahoma City Opening Round site include: No. 1 seed Oklahoma City University, No. 2 Freed Hardeman University, No. 3 Bellevue University, and No. 4 Hastings College. The tournament will be hosted by Oklahoma City University.
Oklahoma City is ranked No. 4 in the latest NAIA top 25 poll. Freed-Hardeman is ranked No. 17. Bellevue is receiving votes.
Bellevue will be making its sixth appearance in the NAIA National Tournament and its third in the last four years.
NAIA National Championship Opening Round
Oklahoma City Bracket
at Ann Lacy Stadium
Monday, May 13
Game 1: Bellevue vs. Freed-Hardeman, noon
Game 2: Hastings vs. Oklahoma City, 3 p.m.
Tuesday, May 14
Game 3: Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2, noon
Game 4: Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Game 2, 3 p.m.
Game 5: Winner Game 4 vs. Loser Game 3, 6 p.m.
Wednesday, May 15
Game 6: Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 5, noon, championship
Game 7: If necessary, 3 p.m.
