Indiana University Athletics
The Dream Continues, Hoosiers Earn NCAA Tournament Bid
5/14/2006 12:00:00 AM | Softball
May 14, 2006
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - The Indiana softball team earned its first NCAA tournament berth since 1996, announced the NCAA Tournament committee on May 14. Indiana, having its best season in the last decade, continues its dream campaign with a ticket to the 64-team bracket beginning on May 19-21.
"This is a great achievement for this team, this program and for Indiana University," head coach Stacey Phillips said. "I am just happy to have the chance to coach this group of ladies for one more weekend. It's great that this team is getting noticed for what they have accomplished all season long. They peaked at the right time, and have definitely earned the right to represent IU at the national level."
The Hoosiers will travel to the Austin Regional to join host, and the brackets' overall No. 3-seed, Texas (49-7), who will battle UTSA (37-12) in the first round. Utah (38-19) draws the task of opening against Indiana in the other matchup. Game dates and times are still yet to be determined, however, the championship game of the regional will take place on May 21.
The feat is something IU's seniors Lauren Hines and Megan Roark note is just the way you want to end your career as a senior.
"The anxiety of waiting to find out was almost unbearable," Hines said. "I just have absolute joy and excitement right now. I am ecstatic knowing that I get the chance to put on an Indian uniform for one more weekend."
"It's a little surreal and overwhelming all at the same time," Roark said. "We have worked really hard to get here for four years, and it's a good way to go out as a senior. I can't be more excited that I get to spend one more weekend with this team. We have worked hard and now its time to prove why we deserve this great opportunity."
Indiana is coming off its best Big Ten Tournament finish, advancing to the conference semifinals for the first time in the programs' history. IU upset No. 3-seeded Iowa, 5-4, in the first round to earn a chance to face No. 2-seeded and 13th-ranked Michigan in the semifinals. The Hoosiers fell to the eventual Big Ten champions, 4-0, to end their tournament run.
For the most up-to-date ticket and game-time information, visit the University of Texas web site at www.texassports.com. For a complete look at the 64-team bracket, visit www.ncaasports.com.
