MANKATO, Minn. – The Bethany baseball team is headed back to Wade Stadium in Duluth for the NCAA Regional. The Vikings open against Concordia University Chicago who is currently the 10th ranked team in the nation and the top ranked team in the Midwest region. The Vikings and Cougars will play the first game of the tournament on Thursday, May 17 at 11 AM.
 
The teams and rankings for all participating teams in the Midwest region are:
 
1. Concordia Chicago
2. North Central (Ill.)
3. Wisconsin-Oshkosh
4. Bethel (MN)
5. Dubuque (IA)
6. Bethany Lutheran
 
The Bethany Vikings (23-10) earned their trip to the regional by winning the UMAC postseason tournament. The Vikings went 4-1 in the tournament, opening with a win over Northwestern before losing to St. Scholastica in game two. The Vikings played their way back into contention by defeating Northwestern in game three and then defeated St. Scholastica in back-to-back games to win the championship.
 
The Concordia University Chicago Cougars (33-12) make their appearance in the regional despite losing their bid for a sixth straight Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference tournament title. The Cougars received an at-large bid due to their number one ranking in the Midwest Region prior to their conference tournament.
 
Up Next: The Vikings and Cougars open the tournament, playing on Thursday, May 17 at 11 AM. All games will be played at Wade Stadium in Duluth.
 
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MEDIA: If you need further information, please feel free to contact Dan DeWitt at 507-344-7856 or email ddewitt@blc.edu