Softball 5/6/2024 9:10:00 AM

Bronchos Back In The National Tournament

UCO Headed To Claremore For Central Regional II Tournament This Week

INDIANAPOLIS – No. 9-ranked Central Oklahoma is making another trip to the NCAA Division II playoffs after the Bronchos earned an at-large berth in the 64-team field that was announced Monday morning.

It will be the 11th national tournament appearance in 13 years – including the fifth straight – for UCO. The Bronchos are the No. 3 seed in the eight-team Central Region, which is made up of teams from the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA), the Great American Conference (GAC) and the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC).

"We're always excited about being in the national tournament because not everyone gets this opportunity and we don't take it for granted" said 11th-year head coach Cody White, who is 445-158 at the helm. "I'm very proud of our team. This is our standard and it's a moment we need to celebrate."

Two four-team sub-regionals will be held this week, with the Bronchos traveling to Claremore, Okla. for the Central Regional II Tournament hosted by No. 12-ranked and second-seeded Rogers State (42-10) of the MIAA. Sixth-seeded Washburn (38-15) of the GAC and No. 7 seed Washburn (38-15) of the MIAA round out the four-team field.

UCO will open against the Ichabods in an MIAA rematch Thursday before the Hillcats and Crimson Storm square off. The Bronchos swept WU in a home doubleheader back on March 9, winning 6-2 and 2-1.

The double-elimination tournament continues Friday with three games and the finals are Saturday.

No. 4-ranked and top-seeded Pittsburg State (51-6) of the MIAA will host the Central Regional I Tournament in Pittsburg, Kan. Fourth-seeded Augustana (45-13) of the NSIC, No. 5 seed Oklahoma Baptist (40-12) and No. 8 seed Southern Arkansas (34-17) round out the field.

The two sub-regional winners meet in the best-of-three Central Super Regional May 14-15 at a site to be determined. The Central Regional champion joins seven other regional winners for the Division II World Series May 19-25 in Orlando, Fla.

"Our goal since the very beginning has been to be in Orlando at the end and we have a chance," White said. "We just need to be ourselves and play like we're capable."

UCO has a 43-33 record in 15 previous appearances in the Division II national tournament. The Bronchos captured regional titles in 2006, 2012, 2013 and 2023 in advancing to the World Series, winning the national championship in 2013 and making to the semifinals last year.

Central lost in the Super Regional finals in 2019 and 2022 to the eventual national champions.

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