Fayette, Mo. - The Central Methodist softball program is set to host the Opening Round of the NAIA Softball National Championship May 17-19 in the Fayette Bracket at Cox Softball Complex in Fayette, Mo.

It marks the first time Central has hosted an Opening Round since the 2018 season. The 40 qualifiers were revealed Tuesday afternoon on the PlayNAIA Facebook Page.

Central drew the No. 1 seed in the Fayette Bracket after finishing second in the Heart of America regular-season standings with an overall record of 49-7 and 34-4 in the Heart. They climbed as high as No. 4 in the national rankings this season.

CMU is joined in the bracket by No. 2 seeded College of Idaho, No. 3 Freed-Hardeman (Tenn.), and No. 4 Ottawa (Ariz.).

College of Idaho earned an at-large berth with an overall record of 38-16. The Lions also earned an at-large berth out of the Mid-South Conference with a record of 39-11.

Rounding out the field of four is No. 4 seeded Ottawa (Ariz.) who clinched a spot in the Opening Round with a Golden State Athletic Conference tournament championship.

The Eagles will face off against Ottawa (Ariz.) in the first game of the day Monday, May 17 at 12:00 p.m. at Cox Softball Complex.

All games will be streamed live on the Heart Conference Network and fans may also follow along with live stats here. 

Ticket information for parents/guests of participating student-athletes will be released on CMU's Ticket page this week. General admission tickets will go on sale, Friday, May 14 at 10:00 a.m.

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