COLUMBIA, S.C. — CIU softball is set to make its return to the national stage as the Rams earned the No. 1 overall seed in the 2026 NCCAA Softball World Series, set for May 18-20 at Oak Grove Softball Complex in Grapevine, Texas.

The eight-team, double-elimination tournament features a diverse field of programs from the NAIA, NCAA, and NCCAA member institutions, with the Rams entering as the top seed after putting together the best season in program history.

CIU enters the national tournament with a 38-18 overall record, the most wins in program history. The Rams will open tournament play on Monday, May 18, against No. 8 seed Dallas Christian College at 1 p.m. Central Time.

This marks CIU's first appearance in the NCCAA Softball World Series since the 2022 season, when the Rams made a memorable run to the national championship game before finishing as the national runner-up to Nelson University.

Several Rams have delivered record-setting performances this season. Caydon Thompson became the program's all-time career home run leader, while Tristan Phillips set new single-season program records for both stolen bases and hits.

CIU has also earned significant postseason recognition, with Abby Ragan being named NCCAA South Region Pitcher of the Year and Head Coach Sara Allen earning NCCAA South Region Coach of the Year honors. Phillips, Thompson, Ragan, and Raleigh Stewart were all named NCCAA South Region First Team selections.

Fans can watch every game of the NCCAA Softball World Series live on the NCCAA Network. Tournament information, including the full bracket and schedule, is available through the NCCAA championship website.

The winner of Monday's opening game will advance in the winner's bracket, while the double-elimination format ensures each team must be defeated twice before being eliminated from championship contention.