In a landmark moment, the Charlotte Softball Team from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC) is set to participate in the NCAA Tournament for the first time in history. An exceptional season led the UNCC 49ers (Niners) to secure an at-large bid for the 2023 NCAA tournament, a unique achievement as they are the only team making their debut in this fashion. The team will compete in the Durham Regional, beginning with a match against the Campbell Fighting Camels.
The Niners have tirelessly prepared since August for the tournament, and will now take them to Durham to be hosted by the #8 overall seed, the Duke Blue Devils. The team’s impressive 33-21 record and first-ever outright regular season conference championship contributed to their at-large bid. On their way, they defeated three-ranked opponents on the road – a first for any women’s team at the university and a single-season record for the program.
The Niners will face Campbell on Friday, May 19 at 2:30 p.m. at the Duke Softball Stadium.
This moment the Niners learned they were headed to the NCAA Tournament
Congrats ladies, you earned this!!!#GoldStandard⛏️ pic.twitter.com/aQkZJnIZUC
— Charlotte Softball (@CharlotteSB) May 14, 2023
UNCC is a public research university in the North East corner of the city. Established in 1946, it’s part of the state-wide UNC system, offering over 170 undergraduate majors, master’s degrees, and doctoral programs.