The University of South Dakota Coyotes softball team is heading to the NCAA tournament for the first time in program history. The Coyotes (20-34-1) will face No. 1 seed Nebraska on Friday at 5:30 p.m. in Lincoln, a matchup that marks a milestone for the program.
Selection Sunday delivered the news to Vermillion, where the team learned they would be playing in the postseason despite a losing record. The Coyotes are one of only two teams to defeat Summit League regular season champion Omaha three times this season, a feat that likely bolstered their tournament résumé.
USD enters the tournament with a 20-34-1 overall record, reflecting a challenging season. Their path to the tournament was secured by key victories over Omaha, the league's top regular-season team, showcasing the team's ability to perform in high-stakes conference play.
The Coyotes now face a formidable opponent in Nebraska, the tournament's No. 1 overall seed in their region. The game in Lincoln represents a significant opportunity for USD to prove itself on a national stage against a powerhouse program.
For the Coyotes, the focus will be on executing their game plan and capitalizing on their momentum from conference wins. A victory would be historic, but even the appearance alone elevates the program's profile in college softball.