Bennies Hosting NCAA Regional This Weekend in Saint Joseph

(KNSI) – The College of Saint Benedict varsity softball team is hosting a regional in this year’s NCAA Division Tournament. The Bennies were just hoping to make the field, something they have only accomplished five times. Being awarded home-field advantage in the first round was a small shock.

Athletic Media Relations Director Leah Rado says, “We had lost in the MIAC semifinals on Saturday, so we were kind of unsure of how an at-large bid would play out for us. We had no idea we were gonna host!”

Only 16 teams are selected to play at home in the regional round. Each site has four teams compete in a double-elimination format. Saint Benedict will play the second game on Friday against #4 Nebraska Wesleyan. Starting at 2:00 PM, it is #3 Illinois Wesleyan and #2 Wartburg. The regional champion advances to a best-two-of-three Super Regional followed by the finals in Virginia.

Rado says the department didn’t know about Friday’s games until the selection committee announcement on Monday. Since then it has been a whirlwind of ensuring staffing for concession stands and lining up ticket takers at the field entrance.

Rado says campus is quiet as spring semester wrapped up last week. Graduation was held over the weekend. She expects player families to turn up in large numbers but she is unsure of what the other schools will bring as far as a cheering contingent. She is hoping for community members to check out the action. There are great value options for watching a single game or the entire weekend.

“Tickets are $10 for adults or $7 for senior citizens, [and] students if you are doing one day. If you wanted to go to all three days; Friday, Saturday, and championship game on Sunday, that’s $25 for adults and $15 for senior citizens, veterans, students, etc.,” says Rado.

The Bennies are 28-8 this season.

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