NAIA Softball National Championship Preview
POOL PLAY/BRACKET | POOL PLAY SCHEDULE | CHAMPIONSHIP CENTRAL
KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The 2009 NAIA Softball National Championship is scheduled for May 14-20 in Decatur, Ala. This event is hosted by Decatur Parks and Recreation.
Defending national champion Lubbock Christian (Tex.) is one of 32 teams, which is comprised of seven at-larges and 25 automatic qualifiers, to participate in this event.
Lubbock Christian won its first title last year. Lady Chap infielders Raquel Hawkins and Alejandra "Honda" Rodriguez were named to the 2008 All-Tournament Team and Hawkins was named Tournament Most Valuable Player. Both players are back this year to help Lubbock Christian defend their title.
Oklahoma City is making its 23rd appearance in the National Championship, the most of any school. The Stars also have the most all-time wins in the tournament with 89.
There are ten schools that have qualified for the National Championship for the first time in school history. Asbury (Ky.), Brenau (Ga.), Georgetown (Ky.), Holy Names (Calif.), Houston-Victoria (Tex.), Missouri Valley, Northwood (Tex.), Notre Dame (Ohio), Park (Mo.) and Waldorf (Iowa) are all making their first appearance in the NAIA Softball National Championship.
An all tournament pass can be purchased for $35 or pay $8/day for adults and $3/day for students. For ticket information, contact the Wilson Morgan Softball Complex at 256-341-4810.
The 29th Annual Tournament will begin with pool play from May 14-16. Winners from each pool will move onto an eight-team double elimination bracket, played from May 18-20.
Teams will compete at the Wilson Morgan Softball Complex. Wilson Morgan is a six field softball facility located at 300 Beltline SW, Decatur, Alabama. The centrally located concession and restroom building is topped with the complex's control tower and press boxes. Telephone systems from the press box areas to each dug-out provide an easy means of communication. Electronic scoreboards are utilized on all fields. Each field has a clay infield and beautiful grass, maintained by electronically controlled underground irrigation systems. Hollywood bases are used throughout the complex. Fence distance is 300 feet on all fields. Two paved parking lots provide parking for 600 vehicles. Seating is available for 2,000 spectators with additional seating available.
For more information on the National Championships, click here.
