Softball Qualifies for NAIA National Tournament

For the first time in College history, the UVa-Wise Softball team was crowned Region XII Tournament Champions earning a bid to the NAIA National Tournament.

In the first round of regional play, the Lady Cavaliers defeated Midway College (12-8)  leaving the squad to face nationally ranked Brescia University. The team defeated Brescia University  (7-2 ) putting the team in the semi-finals facing conference foe Tennessee Wesleyan College. Junior Dani Benton led the team to a (1-0) victory with a stellar pitching performance.

The Lady Cavaliers had to meet Tennessee Wesleyan College two more times before they would earn the regional crown. In the first game, UVa-Wise was defeated 15-0, but the Lady Cavaliers quickly bounced back with an impressive pitching performance from Senior Nichole Poore. The team defeated the Bulldogs for the final time (4-3).

Senior Kendall Rainey received All-Region honors and was named Region XII Player of the Year. Teammates Dani Benton and Shelley Newton were also named to the All-Region Team.

The National Tournament will be held in Decatur, Alabama and the first date of play will be Friday, May 20.