The Northwest Missouri State University softball team is among the 10 teams under consideration for a bid into the NCAA Central Region tournament in the first regional rankings of the 2026 season.
The Bearcats are 29-18 overall under the direction of fifth-year head coach
Naomi Tellez.
The NCAA championship provides for a field of 64 teams. Four teams will participate at each of 16 regional sites in a double elimination tournament. The 16 teams advancing from regional competition will participate in a two-team, best-of-three super regional at eight sites. The finals will include the eight super regional winners. The national champion will be determined in a best-of-three final series.Â
The top eight teams in the Central Region will be selected to compete in the NCAA Tournament. Automatic bids will be given to the champions of the MIAA, GAC and NSIC. The other five spots will be filled by at-large selections. The 2026 NCAA Regionals will be played May 14-16.
NCAA DIVISION II SOFTBALL CENTRAL REGION TEAMS UNDER CONSIDERATION
| School |
Div. II Record |
In-Region Record |
| Central Mo. |
27-15 |
22-11 |
| Central Okla. |
37-10 |
35-10 |
| Emporia State |
26-15 |
24-14 |
| Missouri Southern |
39-7 |
35-7 |
| Northwest Missouri State |
28-17 |
27-17 |
| Pittsburgh State |
43-2 |
36-2 |
| Rogers State |
29-15 |
25-13 |
| Southern Arkansas |
39-5 |
38-5 |
| St. Cloud State |
34-12 |
27-8 |
| Winona State |
38-7 |
30-5 |
