MANKATO, Minn. – The Bethany Lutheran softball team secured its spot in the NCAA Division III Tournament last Saturday by defeating Northwestern to earn the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) automatic bid.

The NCAA announced the tournament field and regional site locations on Monday morning during the bracket reveal, and the Vikings will head to Bloomington, Illinois, to compete in a regional hosted by Illinois Wesleyan.

Bethany will face host school No. 22 Illinois Wesleyan in the opening matchup on Thursday at 11 a.m., while the other side of the bracket features Greenville taking on Nebraska Wesleyan at 1:30 p.m.

Game Schedule
Thursday, May 15th
Game 1 - Illinois Wesleyan vs. Bethany Lutheran - 11 a.m.
Game 2 - Greenville vs. Nebraska Wesleyan - 1:30 p.m.

Friday, May 16th
Game 3 - Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2
Game 4 - Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Game 2
Game 5 - Loser Game 3 vs. Winner Game 4

Saturday, May 17th
Game 6 - WInner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 5
Game 7 - If necessary, same teams as game 6.