INDIANAPOLIS – For the first time in program history, the Swarthmore College softball team was selected to host a NCAA Regional Tournament, the Garnet learned when the selections were announced on Monday.
The first stage of the NCAA Tournament takes place May 14-16 in Swarthmore with the Garnet battling Messiah University in the first matchup. Case Western Reserve University takes on Muskingum University in the other opening game on Thursday. The double-elimination tournament continues on Friday and Saturday with the victor advancing to the NCAA Super Regionals on May 21-22.
Swarthmore (33-8) captured its second straight Centennial Conference title and its third in four seasons. It is also the third NCAA Tournament appearance for the Garnet. They finished 16
th in the NCAA Power Index (NPI) to earn hosting duties. Swarthmore is currently ranked 15
th in the nation by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA).
Case Western Reserve (27-12) received an at-large bid out of the University Athletic Association after finishing 24
th in NPI. The Spartans are making their fifth consecutive trip to the NCAAs and seventh overall.
Muskingum (29-10) was an at-large selection out of the Ohio Athletic Conference. The Muskies return to the national tournament after a one-year absence and it is their 21
st overall appearance. Muskingum was 31
st in the final NPI.
Messiah (29-15) claimed the Middle Atlantic Conference Commonwealth championship to earn an automatic bid. The Falcons are in the tourney for the second consecutive year and 15
th time overall. They finished 94
th in the NPI.
NCAA Swarthmore Regional Schedule
Thursday, May 14
11 a.m. – Swarthmore vs. Messiah (Game 1)
1:30 p.m. – Case Western Reserve vs. Muskingum (Game 2)
Friday, May 15
11 a.m. – Game 1 winner vs. Game 2 winner (Game 3)
1:30 p.m. – Game 1 loser vs. Game 2 loser (Game 4)
4 p.m. – Game 3 loser vs. Game 4 winner (Game 5)
Saturday, May 16
11 a.m. – Game 3 winner vs. Game 5 winner (Game 6)
1:30 p.m. – Game 6 winner vs. Game 6 loser (Game 7 – if necessary)
Click here to view the full tournament bracket.
