The McKendree Lady Bearcats will take the field today with a chance to make program history as they begin the NCAA Division II National Championship Series at Frost Stadium in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
McKendree, making its first-ever appearance in the national finals, enters the best-of-three championship series with an impressive 51-15 record. Standing between the Lady Bearcats and a national title is top-ranked St. Leo University of Florida, with Game 1 scheduled for 5 p.m. this evening.
The Lady Bearcats have put together a remarkable postseason run to reach the championship round, establishing themselves among the elite programs in Division II softball. Their success has also carried a strong local flavor, with several Southern Illinois athletes playing key roles throughout the season.
Among those representing the region are Lauren Harris of Woodlawn, Trista Moore of Odin, Jasmine Martin of Carbondale, Olivia Tipton of Sesser, and Ali Grenzebach of Triad. The group has helped McKendree compile one of the most successful seasons in school history and now has the opportunity to cap it with a national championship.
While St. Leo enters the series as the nation’s top-ranked team, McKendree has proven throughout the season that it can compete with anyone in the country. The Lady Bearcats have displayed a balanced combination of pitching, defense, and timely hitting during their journey to the finals.
With a national title on the line, McKendree will look to continue its historic run when the first pitch is thrown tonight in Chattanooga. A victory in the series would deliver the program’s first NCAA Division II softball national championship and complete one of the most memorable seasons in school history.
Photo Credit: McKendree University
