NAIA Softball World Series Preview

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – [SCHEDULE | BRACKET] The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) is set to kick-off play in the 42^nd annual NAIA Softball World Series on May 25-31 at the South Commons Softball Complex in Columbus, Ga. Southern Oregon has brought the coveted red banner back to Ashland two out of the last three World Series’.

The World Series is a 10-team, double-elimination tournament where the winner will be crowned June 1.

Seeds were determined by the NAIA Softball National Selection Committee (NSC). The NSC consists of one representative from each geographic area, a representative from the National Administrative Council (NAC) Postseason Selection and Ratings Committee, the president of the NAIA-Softball Coaches Association and three at-large members. The committee evaluated teams throughout the year on various criteria.

Game one will feature No. 7-seeded Marian (Ind.) which will face No. 10-seed Midland (Neb.) at 10:00 a.m. ET. The winner of this contest will face No. 2-seeded Our Lady of the Lake (Texas) on Friday, May 26^th.

In game two, No. 8-seeded Central Methodist (Mo.) will face No. 9 Baker (Kan.) at 1:00 p.m ET. The winner will move on to play on Friday against top-seeded Oregon Tech.

In the 4:00 p.m. ET tilt on Thursday, No. 4-seeded Southern Oregon will try to take home its third title in the last four World Series’ played (2020 Series canceled due to Covid-19). The Raiders will battle the No. 5-seeded Grizzlies of Georgia Gwinnett for a shot to advance to a game on Saturday against the winner of Oregon Tech’s Friday contest.

In the nightcap at 7:00 p.m. ET, it will feature No. 3 Cumberlands (Ky.), a first-timer in the NAIA Spring Classic, which will face No. 6-seeded Science & Arts (Okla.). The Drovers are one of three teams in the field with a previous red banner to its credit. That winner will advance to play the winner of Friday’s game featuring Our Lady of the Lake on Saturday, May 27.

NAIANetwork.com, the NAIA’s official video-streaming platform of NAIA national championship events powered by Stretch Internet, will be broadcasting all 19 games of the 2023 World Series. The All-World Series package can be purchased for $34.95 or the day package for $9.95. Game 16 – 19 will also be delivered on ESPN3.