Simpson University to Host Opening Round of National Softball Tournament

For Immediate Release

04.14.2016

REDDING, Calif. - Simpson University’s softball team made school history on April 13 when the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) announced that the Red Hawks were selected as one of the hosts of the 4th annual NAIA Softball National Championship Opening Round regional tournament.

Simpson’s director of athletics Tom Galbraith was quoted in the Redding Record Searchlight saying: "It's great news for the university, the department and for our program. With the amount of success coach (Wayne) Stower has had over the years, it sets the standard and I think this is the reward for the excellence."

As a regional host, the Red Hawks automatically qualify for an at-large bid to the tournament and will face three other teams on May 16-18. The winner of the regional will advance to the NAIA Softball World Series in Sioux City, Iowa, on May 27-June 2.

Out of the 10 teams selected to host opening round tournaments, Simpson was the only school on the West Coast to be awarded a bid. The next closest host site is in Oklahoma.

The national bracket will be announced on May 10 with all 40 teams at all 10 sites named. The Red Hawks won an NAIA regional hosted by Concordia (Calif.) in 2014 and advanced to the World Series.

As the regional date nears, please check simpsonredhawks.com for ticket information and game times for the double elimination bracket format.

The Red Hawks are ranked No. 8 in the country, according to the most recent NAIA Coaches Poll.

Photo of the Simpson University softball team by Matt Murnan

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Simpson University, established in 1921, is a Christian university offering undergraduate, graduate, and teaching credential programs. The university celebrated its 25th year in Redding and the completion of a Science and Nursing Center in 2014. Academic programs include ASPIRE, a degree-completion program geared toward working adults with both on-campus and online course offerings, including degrees in psychology and organizational leadership. For information about the university, or to arrange a campus visit, call 1-888-9-SIMPSON or visit simpsonu.edu.

Contact: SU Public Relations
mediarelations@simpsonu.edu
(530) 226-4737