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Elite Eight in NCAA softball DII and DIII in double-elimination play

Elite Eight in NCAA softball divisions II and III now in double-elimination play in their Super Regionals at Salem, Va., and Oklahoma City

Texas-Tyler defending champions in Division III

Arnie Leshin

By Arnie Leshin

NCAA Divisions II and III softball are already in play at their respective Super Regionals.

There are eight schools remaining in each, with DII at Salem, Va., and DIII in Oklahoma City the week before the Division I Elite Eight takes the field there, with both double-elimination formats.

In DII, play began with Angelo State turning back Humboldt State, 5-1, Armstrong nipping West Florida, 3-2, and shutouts thrown by Minnesota State over Southern Indiana, 5-0, by West Virginia Wesleyan over Molloy, 4-0.

Today, it’s match-ups sending 1-0 teams Angelo State (57-5) against West Virginia Wesleyan (49-8), and Minnesota State (59-7) versus Armstrong. The teams that are one loss of being ousted meet up when Humboldt State faces Molloy, and when Southern Indiana takes on West Florida (45-13).

Of these remaining schools, Virginia Wesleyan and Humboldt State have won national championships. North Alabama is not back to defend its title. In 1982, Sam Houston State won the initial championship.

In DIII, first-day results had Amherst edge Trine, 4-3, Texas-Tyler defeat Virginia Wesleyan, 4-1, Illinois Wesleyan shut down St. Catherine, 7-0, and St. John Fisher blank Williams, 2-0, behind a no-hitter.

Today, the action pairs 1-0 teams Amherst (33-10) with Texas-Tyler (44-4), and Illinois Wesleyan (36-13) going against St. John Fisher (41-6). In the loser’s bracket and facing elimination, it is Trine (37-8) meeting up with Virginia Wesleyan (48-12) and St. Catherine (38-12) versus Williams (36-11).

Here, Texas-Tyler is the defending champion. No other school in the field has won nationals. In 1982, Eastern Connecticut State was the first champion.

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