EDMOND – NCAA Division II softball power Central Oklahoma will undertake an ambitious schedule in 2025, with the Bronchos slated to take on 10 teams that qualified for last year's national tournament.

UCO has five position starters and two starting pitchers back from last year's 43-14 team that made its 16th Division II national tournament appearance, including the fourth in a row. The Bronchos will play 55 games -- 25 at home along with 16 neutral-site contests and 14 on the road.

"It's a tough schedule that will test us from the start," said head coach Cody White, who is 446-160 entering his 12th year at the helm. "We're looking forward to the challenge. We have a good group of returning players along with some talented newcomers and we're excited about the season."

UCO opens the season Jan. 21-Feb. 2 at the Gulf Shores Invitational in Gulf Shores, Ala., playing five games in that three-day event. The Bronchos open against Lenoir-Rhyne, which advanced to the Division II World Series last year, and take on 2024 national qualifiers Auburn-Montgomery and Spring Hill the second day.

Oklahoma Baptist, Southern Arkansas, Southern Nazarene, Missouri S&T, Pittsburg State, Rogers State and Washburn are the other returning national tournament teams Central will face this season.

The Bronchos make their Gerry Pinkston Stadium debut Feb. 7-8 with the UCO/OC Classic Feb. 7-8 and then host the Raising Cane's Festival Feb. 14-16 before going to the Washburn Classic Feb. 21-23.

Central's first regular doubleheader is Feb. 25 at Southeastern Oklahoma before the Bronchos finish the early-season tournament schedule at the Branson Showtime Classic Feb. 28-March 1 in Branson, Mo.

UCO begins its 24-game MIAA slate March 7 at home against Pittsburg State, wrapping up the league schedule April 25 at Newman. The MIAA Softball Championship will be held April 30-May 4 in Hays, Kan.