Up For The Challenge: Bronchos Head Back To NCAA Tournament

The University of Central Oklahoma's softball team is headed back to nationals. The Bronchos earned an at-large bid to the 64-team NCAA Tournament.

The Tournament is comprised of eight regionals featuring eight teams in each. UCO is the 3-seed in the Claremore, Oklahoma regional hosted by top-seed Rogers State. 

This is UCO's fifth straight trip to the NCAA tournament, and the 11th in the last 13 years. It will be the first time since 2017 that the 'Chos are on the road for Regionals. 

"They're ready," Head Coach Cody White said. "Playing on the road creates a little bit of adversity for us. It should be a hostile environment, but we are going to embrace that. I'm excited because I know they are up for that challenge."

UCO is matched up with Washburn in the first round of the double-elimination regional, set to begin Thursday.

"We know them really well and they know us really well, so we are prepared for it," said White.

Three other Oklahoma schools are in the Central regional: Rogers State, Oklahoma Baptist, and Southern Nazarene, which is making its first appearance in program history. 

Oklahoma Christian is also in the postseason for the fifth year in a row. The Eagles will compete in the South Central Regional.