INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Oklahoma Baptist was tabbed fifth in the first NCAA Division II Central Region softball rankings released on Wednesday.
It is a tie of the highest standing in program history and the second straight season the Bison have appeared in the rankings after earning its first-ever mention a year ago.
OBU boasts a 37-11 overall record with a 37-10 mark against in-region opponents.
Tabbed ahead of the Bison were Pittsburg State (1), Central Oklahoma (2), Rogers State (3), and Augustana (4). Two of them (UCO and RSU) suffered losses from Oklahoma Baptist earlier this season.
The top eight teams in the region advance to the NCAA Central Region Tournament. The No. 1 and No. 2 seeds will each host three other teams on May 9-11 in a double-elimination format. The winner of each tournament will then advance to the super regional, a three-game series hosted by the higher seed on May 14-15. The winner of the super regional will advance to the Women's College World Series held May 19-25 in Longwood, Fla.
The Central Region is comprised of 41 teams from the MIAA (14), GAC (12), and NSIC (15). The winners of each league's postseason tournament earn an automatic bid to the regional, with the next five best teams earning an at-large bid.
The 2024 NCAA Division II Softball Championship will announce its field of 64 teams Monday, May 6.
