The Bellevue University softball team will be heading to Fayette, Mo. on May 11-13 to compete in the NAIA Softball National Championship Opening Round - Central Methodist Bracket. The Bruins will open play on May 11 at 1 p.m. against Cardinal Stritch (Wis.) University at Cox Softball Complex.
The Opening Round consists of 10 four-team double-elimination tournaments across the country with the 10 winners competing in the NAIA Softball World Series on May 22-28 in Sioux City, Iowa. This is the third season the NAIA has used the Opening Round format for softball.
Bellevue (39-12-1/17-3 MCAC) earned an automatic berth into the National Tournament after winning the MCAC Tournament last Friday in Bellevue. The Bruins, who also won the MCAC regular season title, defeated Central Baptist College, 5-4, in the championship game.
Participants in the Central Methodist Opening Round site include: No. 1 Central Methodist (Mo.) University, No. 2 Cardinal Stritch (Wis.) University, No. 3 Bellevue (Neb.) University, and No. 4 Columbia (Mo.) College. The tournament will be hosted by Central Methodist University.
Central Methodist is ranked No. 8 in the latest NAIA top 25 poll. Cardinal Stritch is ranked No. 19. Bellevue is receiving votes.
Bellevue will be making its eighth appearance in the NAIA National Tournament and its fifth in the last six years.
NAIA National Championship Opening Round
Central Methodist Bracket | Cox Softball Complex
Monday, May 11
Game 1: No. 2 Cardinal Stritch (Wis.) vs. No. 3 Bellevue (Neb.), 1 p.m.
Game 2: No. 1 Central Methodist (Mo.) vs. No. 4 Columbia (Mo.), 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday, May 12
Game 3: Game 1 Winner vs. Game 2 Winner, 12 p.m.
Game 4: Game 1 Loser vs. Game 2 Loser, 2:30 p.m.
Game 5: Game 3 Loser vs. Game 4 Winner, 5 p.m.
Wednesday, May 13
Game 6: Game 3 Winner vs. Game 5 Winner, 1 p.m.
Game 7: If necessary, 3:30 p.m.
