WINONA, Minn. - There's more coming your way tomorrow as the Saint Mary's softball team continues their drive toward a national championship. With just 16 teams left in the nation, Saint Mary's is thrilled to host the NCAA Super Regional for the first time in program history. 

The Cardinals will welcome the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater to Winona for a best-of-three series, beginning Thursday, May 22 and continuing through Friday, May 23.

Let's get to know the teams and how they got here.

After earning an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament by winning the MIAC title, the team had the chance to host its first-ever NCAA Division III Softball Regional.

Following their NCAA Regional Championship win last Saturday, the Cardinals (42-4) are currently ranked 7th in the nation. They posted a 4-1 record in the regional, opening with a 5-2 win over Husson University, defeating Simpson College in game two 3-1 in an extra inning, and then splitting a pair of games against Simpson losing 3-2 and then winning 10-2 on the final day of competition.

Abbie Stigler, Peyton Berg, and Megan McGinnis were each named to the Regional All-Tournament Team for their standout performances on both offense and defense.
 
Makayla Steffes, recently honored as Pitcher of the Year, was also recognized as the Tournament's Most Outstanding Player.

No. 15 UW-Whitewater (38-6) received an at-large bid to this year's NCAA Division III Championships after winning the WIAC Regular Season Title for the 16th time in program history, despite falling in the semifinals of the conference tournament. 

The Warhawks made the eight-hour trip to Cleveland for regional play, where they went a perfect 3-0. They opened with a 5-0 win over Penn College of Technology, then edged host Case Western Reserve 7-6 in eight innings, before securing the regional title with a 7-3 victory.

Josie Hammen (Pitcher), Grace Wickman (Third Base), and Dani Peshia (Designated Player) were selected to the Cleveland Regional All-Tournament Team. Kaitlyn Weidemann (Second Base) earned honors as the Tournament's Most Outstanding Player.

For one final time this season, the Cardinals take the field at home—come out and cheer them on as they continue their historic journey.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Thursday, May 22

Game 1: UW-Whitewater vs. Saint Mary's | 2:00 P.M. CT

Friday, May 23

Game 2: UW-Whitewater vs. Saint Mary's | 1:00 P.M. CT

Game 3 (if necessary): UW-Whitewater vs. Saint Mary's | 3:30 P.M. CT

WHAT'S ON THE LINE

The winner of the Super Regionals will move onto the World Series beginning May 29th in Bloomington, Illinois.