The 64 groups have all heard their names known as and are getting ready for regionals within the 2024 NCAA softball championship. In a 12 months when there have been few bid-stealing groups, there’s not quite a lot of controversy about who made the sphere. Seeding? Properly, that’s one other story.
Duke and its No. 3 RPI was slotted in because the No. 10 nationwide seed, that means the Blue Devils will likely be on the highway in the event that they advance to tremendous regionals. NCAA Division I Softball Committee chair Kurt McGuffin stated Duke’s seeding was associated to its nonconference schedule and relative lack of wins towards prime groups. Add to that the truth that the ACC is, at finest, the fourth-ranked convention in Division I, and Duke couldn’t rise above a few of the groups from different leagues to seize a seed excessive sufficient to host supers.
Can the Blue Devils overcome their disappointment and advance? If that’s the case, who will be part of them?
Under we break down all the pieces it’s worthwhile to know concerning the 16 regionals, and who has the perfect likelihood of creating it to the Tremendous Regional spherical set for Could 23-26.
Austin Regional
Groups: No. 1 Texas Longhorns (47-7, 23-4 Massive 12), Northwestern Wildcats (33-11, 18-3 Massive Ten), Saint Francis (PA) Pink Flash (40-12, 24-0 NEC), Siena Saints (33-20, 12-11 MAAC)
The Longhorns have the No. 1 seed for the primary time in program historical past. Successful the common season crown in a really top-heavy league will typically try this. Whereas most convention comparisons don’t place the Massive 12 on prime of the heap—the convention is third in most energy scores behind each the SEC and the Pac-12 and it has three of the strongest groups within the nation — as Texas is one among them.
This needs to be a comparatively straightforward regional for the hosts. Northwestern has been the facility within the Massive Ten lately, however the convention isn’t terribly formidable anymore. The Wildcats will most likely meet UT within the regional ultimate however don’t overlook Saint Francis.
The Pink Flash have change into common guests to the NCAA postseason since 2017. They won’t be intimidated by their environment. They won’t win the regional, however they’re greater than able to selecting up a win or two earlier than they bow out.
Norman Regional
Groups: No. 2 Oklahoma Sooners (49-6, 22-5 Massive 12), Oregon Geese (28-19, 13-10 Pac-12), Boston College Terriers (52-4-1, 18-0 Patriot), Cleveland State Vikings (22-24, 14-10 Horizon)
It’s one thing when being the No. 2 nationwide seed is a step down from current years. That’s simply how good Oklahoma has been. The Sooners misplaced a couple of extra video games this 12 months, however they’re nonetheless one of many favorites to win all of it. That may begin with what needs to be a straightforward go of issues of their house regional.
This regional reveals how a lot the climate affected groups this 12 months, particularly on the West Coast. Whereas OU and BU each performed nicely over 50 video games, the Oregon Geese are available with simply 47 performed attributable to cancelations.
BU ought to put up a very good battle. The Terriers performed a number of energy league groups and acquitted themselves nicely. They’re unlikely to achieve the regional ultimate, however they need to give Oregon a very good recreation within the opening spherical. It could be a shock to see OU lose a recreation on this area, although.
Knoxville Regional
Groups: No. 3 Tennessee Woman Vols (40-10, 19-5 SEC), Virginia Cavaliers (32-18, 15-9 ACC), Miami (OH) Redhawks (48-7, 26-1 MAC), Dayton Flyers (33-19, 19-7 A10)
Tennessee is the primary of the 13 SEC groups within the subject. Sure, all 13 groups made it once more this season. That’s a sticking level with many followers from different leagues, however the SEC was the top-rated convention by each metric this season. Boyd’s World iterative energy scores, Warren Nolan’s replica of RPI, Massey Rankings. It doesn’t matter who you ask, all of them come again with the SEC being the perfect.
That doesn’t imply the SEC will likely be overly represented within the Ladies’s School World Sequence. Even though they frequently put extra groups within the postseason than different leagues, they’ve neither gained as many titles nor do they have a tendency to advance as many groups to Oklahoma Metropolis because the Massive 12 and Pac-12 do. Can Tennessee put an finish to that and win its first championship?
The Woman Vols are the perfect group from the perfect league. They’re strong offensively and spectacular within the circle. Whereas going chalk with each regional thus far could seem to be the straightforward manner out, there’s little purpose to assume the highest three seeds will likely be bothered on their house fields in these regionals. There’s nobody on this area who had as a lot success towards different event groups as Tennessee.
Gainesville Regional
Groups: No. 4 Florida Gators (46-12, 17-7 SEC), South Alabama Jaguars (32-18-1, 16-8 Solar Belt), FAU Owls (41-14, 21-6 AAC), FGCU Eagles (37-19, 16-8 ASUN)
The Florida Gators are one among simply two SEC groups to ever win a nationwide championship in softball. They’ve a tall process simply to get out of their regional this season. That’s due to the South Alabama Jaguars.
South Alabama is a group that proves the purpose of parity throughout the game, even within the mid-major leagues. The Jaguars performed a tricky nonconference slate once more this 12 months and beat some actually good groups. They picked up wins towards South Carolina, Arkansas and Alabama on the highway. They performed Arizona to a 1-1 tie in 11 innings on a impartial subject. All 4 groups had been ranked and all 4 are within the postseason. Three are from the SEC.
The Jaguars are additionally in a comparatively sturdy mid-major softball convention. Don’t be stunned in the event that they advance from this regional.
Stillwater Regional
Groups: No. 5 Oklahoma State Cowgirls (44-10, 21-6 Massive 12), Kentucky Wildcats (30-22, 8-16 SEC), Michigan Wolverines (41-16, 18-5 Massive Ten), Northern Colorado Rams (27-24, 9-5 Massive Sky)
The Cowgirls will possible take over the crown as the highest group within the Massive 12 subsequent season when Oklahoma and Texas depart. They’re not too unhealthy now with these two groups within the convention.
Oklahoma State, like Oklahoma, is not going to have to go away their state by your complete postseason. Whether or not that’s one of the best ways to run the postseason is actually open to query.
Kentucky has been examined by SEC competitors. OSU has been examined by a few of the finest groups within the nation on the prime of the Massive 12. It’s powerful to say they gained’t be battling it out on Sunday within the ultimate. It ought to go the Cowgirls’ manner on their house subject. They’re 19-1 at Cowgirl Stadium this season.
Los Angeles Regional
Groups: No. 6 UCLA Bruins (37-10, 17-4 Pac-12), Virginia Tech Hokies (39-12-1, 18-6 ACC), San Diego State Aztecs (31-18, 15-7 MWC), GCU Antelopes (48-11, 23-3 WAC)
Virginia Tech bought no favors from the committee, being despatched throughout the nation to play three Western groups. However, there are openings on this regional.
UCLA gained each the Pac-12 common season and event crowns. Nonetheless, the Bruins performed fewer common season league video games than anybody else within the convention. They bought the highest seed within the Pac-12 event over Stanford as a result of that they had three fewer losses. Stanford performed three extra league video games, although.
The Bruins are a tricky offensive group with a stacked lineup. They’ve a really younger pitching core, although, and regardless of their season ERA, each Taylor Tinsley and Kaitlyn Terry are weak to groups which have their very own offensive punch.
UCLA went out of their house regional final season. It’s solely doable that it occurs once more. Any of the highest three groups may take this regional, and GCU ought to a minimum of be aggressive.
Columbia Regional
Groups: No. 7 Missouri Tigers (43-15, 13-11 SEC), Washington Huskies(31-13, 13-10 Pac-12), Indiana Hoosiers (40-18, 12-11 Massive Ten), Omaha Mavericks (41-13, 14-4 Summit League)
If the postseason got here a month or so earlier, the Washington Huskies would most likely be internet hosting. The group bumped into powerful occasions down the stretch within the Pac-12 common season and event. With the best way they’re presently taking part in, it’s unlikely that the Huskies give Mizzou a run for its cash. It’s unlikely that anybody else on this regional does, both.
Stanford Regional
Groups: No. 8 Stanford Cardinal (43-13, 17-7 Pac-12), Mississippi State Bulldogs (33-18, 12-12 SEC), Cal State Fullerton Titans (36-17, 22-5 Massive West), St. Mary’s (CA) Gaels (30-22, 10-6 WCC)
Stanford has the pitching to take it again to Oklahoma Metropolis. It upgraded its offense with the addition of Taryn Kern, however the Cardinal nonetheless have issue scoring at occasions. Issues have additionally gone sideways on protection for them every so often, which hurts a group that depends on pitching to win video games. If Stanford’s protection can again up ace NiJaree Canady, it needs to be no downside for the Cardinal of their house regional.
Baton Rouge Regional
Groups: No. 9 LSU Tigers (40-15, 12-12 SEC), California Golden Bears (36-17, 9-13 Pac-12), Southern Illinois Salukis (42-9, 23-4 MVC), Jackson State Tigers (31-17, 16-8 SWAC)
LSU ended the season No. 4 in RPI, however like Duke, the Tigers fell within the seedings and gained’t be internet hosting an excellent regional in the event that they advance.
The sport between Cal and Southern Illinois needs to be essentially the most aggressive. The Golden Bears have a powerful offense, however they will have issue preserving opponents off the board. The issue for the Saluki is that they’re taking an enormous step up in competitors stage. They performed a slightly gentle nonconference schedule on prime of being in a convention that doesn’t stack as much as a few of the finest.
Ultimately, it’s most likely Cal towards LSU for the regional title with the house group advancing.
Durham Regional
Groups: No. 10 Duke Blue Devils (47-6, 20-4 ACC), South Carolina Gamecocks (34-22, 8-16 SEC), Utah Utes (34-20, 10-13 Pac-12), Morgan State Bears (29-18, 18-3 MEAC)
Not solely did Duke lose out on a prime 8 seed, the committee additionally gave the Blue Devils a troublesome house regional. South Carolina is battle-tested from a powerful league and has good pitching. Utah got here on late within the season, beating Washington twice to finish the common season after which advancing to the Pac-12 Event ultimate.
This might go both manner. The Blue Devils may use the frustration as gasoline to show a degree or they will let it and the unpredictable competitors overwhelm them. Any of the highest three groups may take this regional.
Athens Regional
Groups: No. 11 Georgia Bulldogs (39-16, 12-13 SEC), Charlotte 49ers (38-16, 21-6 AAC), Liberty Flames (36-23, 19-5 CUSA), UNCW Seahawks (33-21, 18-9 CAA)
Georgia seems to have a reasonably straightforward path to tremendous regionals, however that’s provided that you don’t take a detailed take a look at Charlotte or Liberty. Liberty has a historical past of upsetting energy convention groups, together with within the postseason. Charlotte had some large wins this season. The Bulldogs ought to win this regional, however it might not be a shock to see it go the total seven video games.
Fayetteville Regional
Groups: No. 12 Arkansas Razorbacks (36-16, 14-10 SEC), Arizona Wildcats (34-16-1, 13-11 Pac-12), Villanova Wildcats (31-22, 19-5 Massive East), Southeast Missouri State Redhawks (28-24, 19-8 OVC)
This regional is about as much as be a Pac-12 vs SEC ultimate. It could be surprising if it doesn’t come right down to Arkansas vs Arizona for the proper to advance. If that’s the case, will probably be the third (and presumably fourth) assembly between the 2 groups this season. They cut up their first two, every successful a 3-2 recreation in Tucson.
Arizona’s run of 35 straight tournaments ended final season, nevertheless it has superior from regionals 32 occasions in 35 appearances. In 2022, the Wildcats went to SEC land for the postseason and knocked out each Missouri and Mississippi State to advance to the WCWS. If the Wildcats can pitch nicely sufficient, they’ve the offense to take one other SEC group down this 12 months.
Lafayette Regional
Groups: No. 13 Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns (42-17, 22-2 Solar Belt), Baylor Bears (32-20, 14-13 Massive 12), Ole Miss Rebels (31-25, 7-17 SEC), Princeton Tigers (29-16, 14-7 Ivy League)
Louisiana has been one of many strongest mid-major applications in faculty softball for some time. The Ragin’ Cajuns are attempting to make their first WCWS and this is perhaps their finest likelihood.
Baylor had an honest exhibiting within the No. 3 league this season, however it’s a group Louisiana can and did beat as soon as this season. Ole Miss ended up 7-17 within the SEC and bought in purely as a result of it performs within the SEC. Princeton was 14-7 within the Ivy League and didn’t play a really difficult nonconference schedule.
The ultimate ought to come right down to Louisiana vs Baylor. The groups cut up their two matchups this 12 months, each of which had been performed in Lafayette. Who wins the rubber recreation?
Tuscaloosa Regional
Groups: No. 14 Alabama Crimson Tide (33-17, 10-14 SEC), Clemson Tigers (34-17, 15-9 SEC), Southeastern Louisiana Lions (45-13, 17-7 Southland), USC Upstate Spartans (30-21, 13-5 Massive South)
Alabama once more bought the next seed than its RPI numbers and is internet hosting a regional with a dropping convention file, however a minimum of it didn’t soar all the best way into the highest 5 like final season. It does have a comparatively straightforward path to tremendous regionals, although.
Whereas Clemson would possibly give the Crimson Tide a little bit of hassle, the Tigers didn’t have spectacular outcomes this season. They completed 34-17 general and 15-9 in a league that was ranked fourth. The finals will come down to those two groups and it’d go to seven video games, however Alabama ought to find yourself on prime.
Tallahassee Regional
Groups: No. 15 Florida State Seminoles (43-14, 19-5 ACC), Auburn Tigers (27-19-1, 9-15 SEC), UCF Knights (30-23, 12-15 Massive 12), Chattanooga Mocs (42-14, 16-5 Southern)
Whereas the Seminoles won’t have performed in a league that ranked as extremely as Auburn’s league or UCF’s league, they had been dominant in that league. FSU went 19-5 within the ACC whereas Auburn and UCF had dropping information within the SEC and Massive 12, respectively. Underneath the circumstances, it’s powerful to see both of these groups defeating the Seminoles in Tallahassee.
School Station Regional
Groups: No. 16 Texas A&M Aggies (40-13, 15-9 SEC), Texas State Bobcats (45-13, 18-6 Solar Belt), Penn State Nittany Lions (34-18, 12-11 Massive Ten), UAlbany Nice Danes (33-12, 14-6 AEC)
This can be the Aggies’ house regional, however Texas State is the group that basically stands out. The Bobcats are but extra proof that the Solar Belt is a number one softball convention. Three groups made it into the postseason with Louisiana internet hosting. Texas State has an actual likelihood to make it two groups advancing to supers. Attending to play the final seeded group simply over two hours from San Marcos is perhaps the perfect state of affairs TSU may hope for.
