Samantha McCloskey Signs with Bandits

 

Shelby Turnier will not be the only former UCF Knight on the Chicago Bandits roster when the National Pro Fast Pitch Softball season starts.

Former UCF Softball Catcher and First Basemen Samantha McCloskey  was one of four players to sign a contract with the Chicago Bandits Sunday night. McCloskey was among 38 players that tried out for the Bandits this past weekend according to the Chicago Bandits press release. The Bandits also signed South Carolina’s Alaynie Paige, Illinois’ Allie Bauch and Indiana’s Kelsey Dotson.

“We are pleased to welcome these four players to the Bandits family,” Bandits General Manager Aaron Moore said in Bandits Press Release. “Throughout their tryouts, they showed the talent and mentality that met our standards. We look forward to seeing what they can bring to our team in 2016″.

According to the Bandits Press Release, McCloskey  impressed at tryouts with a level swing that can generate power from the right side.

McCloskey played for the Bandits in Chicago’s exhibition game Sunday night against Indiana. McCloskey started the game and made an immediate impact throwing out a base runner trying to steal 2nd base. McCloskey also started at catcher on Monday night as the Bandits played an exhibition against the Men’s Minor League Baseball team Southern Illinois Miners which also saw the debut of Turnier as a Bandit striking out four Miners in two innings of relief.

Samantha McCloskey caught Shelby Turnier and Mackenzie Audas at UCF..

McCloskey caught Turnier for most of the four years they played together at UCF. McCloskey finished tied for 3rd all-time at UCF Softball in career Homeruns and in top ten in Slugging pct in career.

McCloskey was part of 3 UCF NCAA Tournament teams (2014-2016) as well as two American Conference regular season championships (2014-2015) as well as the American Conference Tournament Championship in 2015 when McCloskey hit one of  if not the most memorable Homeruns in UCF Softball history on May 9, 2015 in the Bottom of the 7th to win the championship against Tulsa.

In her senior season, McCloskey made American Conference 1st team and was part of senior class that never lost a conference series in the American.

On May 1, 2016 in Tampa, McCloskey hit a game winning 2 run Homerun in the top of the 9th against the USF Bulls to help the Knights win the game and series.

McCloskey becomes the 6th UCF Softball player to play in the NPF joining Turnier, Stephanie Best, Allison Kime, Breanne Javer and Kahley Novak.

The Bandits open the regular season at home on June 2nd vs ScrapeYard Dogs. The Bandits then host Novak’s Dallas Charge from June 8-10 where potentially there could be three former Knights on the field for that series. The Bandits come to Central Florida  July 16-18 to take on the USSSA Pride  at the Wide World of Sports.

Follow McCloskey and Turnier with the Chicago Bandits  on ChicagoBandits.com  as they will provide radio and video coverage throughout the season.

Jessica Shults Talks Sooners in WCWS

Eric Lopez talks to former Oklahoma Sooners Catcher Jessica Shults about the Sooners making it to the Women’s College World Series. Shults who spent the last two seasons as a Graduate Asst Coach on the Sooners staff as well as doing some color commentating work on Sooners broadcasts discussed the 2016 season of the Sooners and how despite having a young team are among the 8 teams at Oklahoma City.

Among the topics Shults discussed in the interview include the following :

• The leadership of the 2016 Sooners
• The Talented Freshman group on the Sooners
• What it like to play in the Women’s College World Series?
• Winning the National Championship in 2013
• What makes Sooners Head Coach Patti Gasso so great?
• What was it like playing with Lauren Chamberlain, Shelby Pendley,  and Michelle Gascoigne.
• What it like Coaching players vs Playing?
• Playing in the NPF with USSSA Pride (2014-2015)

Jessica Shults Talks Oklahoma Sooners in WCWS

Shults last game as a Sooner was winning the National Championship against Tennessee in 2013. Shults discussed winning the National championship being part of the classic series against the Vols which included the incredible game one come from behind win.

Jessica Shults accomplishments at Oklahoma   

– Named to 2013 WCWS All-Tournament Team

Jessica Shults played with Keiliani Ricketts at Oklahoma and USSSA Pride. Shults was part of Oklahoma’s 2013 National Championship team

-2013 All-Big 12 Defensive Team

– 2012 First Team NFCA All-American,

2010 & 2011 NFCA Second Team All-American,

3-time NFCA All-Central Region First Team (2010, 2011 and 2012), 2012

– 2012 All-Big 12 First Team,

-2011 All-Big 12 Second Team

-2010 All-Big 12 First Team

-2010 Big 12 Championship All-Tournament team

-Two-time top 50 finalist for USA Softball’s Collegiate Player of the Year.

You can listen to my Interview with ESPN’s Amanda Scarborough from back in 2013 talking about the Sooners 2013 National Championship and where team ranked all-time right here.

 

Jordan Taylor Talks USSSA Pride Season

Jordan Taylor begins her 5th season with USSSA Pride (Photo Courtesy of USSSA Pride)

Eric Lopez interviews USSSA Pride pitcher Jordan Taylor about the upcoming USSSA Pride 2016 season which will get underway on June 10th against the Scrapeyard Dawgs. Taylor enters her 5th season in the NPF with the Pride. Taylor was drafted to the USSSA Pride with the 3rd pick in the 3^rd round of the 2011 NPF College Draft out of Michigan.

Taylor  was part of the Pride’s NPF Championship teams in 2013 and 2014. Taylor talks about becoming the Pride’s Closer last season leading the NPF with 11 saves and finishing 2nd in the NPF in ERA with 0.51 ERA which help earn all-NPF Honors. 

Jordan Taylor was 1st team All-NPF in 2015. (Photo courtesy of USSSA Pride)

Among the topics  Jordan Taylor discusses in the Interview include

• Whats it like with Pride without Cat Osterman who retired after last season
• How will the pitching staff look without Osterman?
• Outlook of the young players on Pride roster
• What it was like watching Michigan-Missouri with her teammate  former Missouri All-American Chelsea Thomas.
• What will be the key to Pride’s success in 2016?
• Taylor reflected on her Michigan career and talk about Michigan program.
• Taylor reflects on her Freshman season playing at UCF
• What her future after Softball player career is done?

Jordan Taylor previews USSSA Pride 2016 season.

Below are some of Jordan Taylor accomplishments during her career at Michigan

Jordan Taylor played at Michigan 2008-2011

 

 

• Three-Time USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year Finalist
• Three-time NFCA All-American (2008,2010,2011)
• Part of Michigan’s 2009 Women College World Series Team
• 2010 Big Ten Pitcher of the Year
• 2008 Big Ten Freshman of the Year
• Three-Time All-Big Ten Conference 1st Team (2008, 2010, 2011)
• Michigan career record holder in Games appeared (162)
• Michigan career  record holder in starts (124)
• Michigan career record holder in Innings Pitch (853.2)
• Michigan Career wins record holder (107)
• Michigan Career leader in Strikeouts (1,220)
• Michigan Career leader in Saves (17)
• Michigan Career leader in No-Hitters (8)

.

..

 

 

 

 

 

Jennie Ritter Talks WCWS and Michigan

Eric Lopez spoke to former Michigan All-American and TV Color Commentator Jennie Ritter about the upcoming Women’s College World Series. Among the topics Ritter discussed included her thoughts on the Georgia upset of Florida which Ritter got to call along side with Trey Bender on ESPN. Ritter works as TV color commentator for the Big 10 Network and ESPN.

Jennie Ritter Broadcasted the Gainesville Regional and Georgia-Florida Super Regional for ESPN

Ritter won a National Championship with Michigan in 2005 and was named one of the ten greatest Michigan Athletes of all-time by Sports Illustrated.

Among the topics Ritter talked about the interview included :

• How did Georgia beat Florida in Super Regional
• Who is the favorite in the WCWS?
• Why was Chelsea Wilkerson so succesful against the Gators.
• Does Michigan have what it takes to win National title?
• Whats Made Coach Hutch Succesful at Michigan?
• Impact of Sierra Romero at Michigan
• How College Softball changed from when Ritter played?
• Ritter thoughts on UCF Softball program
• Ritter reflects on her career at Michigan

Jennie Ritter previews WCWS, talks Michigan Program and the growth of College Softball.

Jennie Ritter led Michigan to National Title in 2005

Led Michigan Wolverines to NCAA National Championship Title (2005)
Named USA Softball Player of the Year (2005)
All-American first-team (2004)
2006 Big-10 Player of the Year
Big Ten Pitcher of the Year and All-Big Ten first-team (2005)
NCAA All-Tournament Team (2005)
2004 NCAA Regional All Tournament team

Ritter would graduate as the all-time Michigan Wolverines record holder in strikeouts, shutouts, WHIP, innings pitched and strikeout ratio. As well she also put up some of the best wins and ERA numbers all-time for the Wolverines. Ritter currently still holds the records for strikeout ratio and shutouts. She is also the strikeout ratio leader for the Big Ten Conference at 10.1 and ranks top-10 in almost every other pitching category. Ritter is also a top-20 strikeout ratio pitcher all-time for a career in the NCAA Division I

 EXPERIENCE

2007: Gold medalist at Pan American Games and World Cup
2005: Member of USA Schutt Elite Team at Canada Cup and Champions Cup
– Posted a 1.70 ERA with a 3-0 record and 20 strikeouts
– Named USA Softball Player of the Year for her performances at Canada Cup

AT MICHIGAN
Led Michigan Wolverines to NCAA National Championship Title (2005)
All-American first-team (2004)
2006 Big-10 Player of the Year
Top Three Finalist for USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year (2005)
Big Ten Pitcher of the Year and All-Big Ten first-team (2005)
NCAA All-Tournament Team (2005)
2004 NCAA Regional All Tournament team

 

Shelby Turnier Officially a Bandit

 

Less then a week after her UCF Knight career came to an end in the NCAA Tournament’s Gainesville Regional Final against number 1 Florida. Shelby Turnier officially a Professional Softball player.

Turnier and the Chicago Bandits have agreed to terms on a one-year contract, general manager Aaron M. Moore announced Friday via the Chicago Bandits press release.  Turnier was selected 11th overall at the NPF Draft by the Bandits which is the highest draft for any UCF Knight player.

“I am so thrilled to be able to continue playing the sport I love,” said Turnier via the Bandits press release. “As an athlete, you dread the day your career will come to an end and I can’t thank the Bandits organization enough for providing me the opportunity to extend my career.”

Turnier becomes UCF’s 5th player to play in the NPF joining Stephanie Best, Allison Kime, Breanne Javier, and Kahley Novak. Turnier not the first UCF pitcher Aaron Moore has signed to a contract as Moore who was the general manager of the Rockford Thunder prior to his current stint with the Bandits signed Kime back in 2008 as a free agent once Kime career ironically enough ended in Gainesville regional Final against No 1 Florida just like Turnier’s career ended.

Turnier will wear number one which is fitting as Turnier became the first All-American in UCF program history after earning First Team honors in her junior season in 2015. Turnier would end up finishing as a Top 10 finalist for College Softball player of the Year. That same season, Turnier was named the 2015 American Athletic Conference Pitcher of the Year and led the NCAA in ERA with 0.87. Turnier was first UCF Softball pitcher to get to 80 wins in a career. Turnier also was the first Knight to start in 3 different NCAA Tournament regionals as Turnier help lead the Knights to 3 straight NCAA Tournament appearances 2014-2016.

Turnier also guided the Knights to 2 American Conference Regular season championships (2014-2015) and the American Conference Tournament championship where Turnier pitched a 1 hit shutout in the win over Tulsa at the UCF Softball Complex. Turnier also became the 3rd Knight pitcher of all-time to reach 800 career strikeouts joining Kime and Mackenzie Audas.

“Shelby is going to be a big addition to our rotation this season,” said Moore via Bandits Press Release. “She is a pitcher that was very successful in her collegiate career and we think she will continue that success in a Bandits uniform.

Shelby Turnier offcially with the Chicago Bandits

The Bandits won the NPF Championship in 2015 but lost ace  Monica Abbott  who signed with Scrapeyard Dawgs in a reported 1 million dollar contract. The Bandits also lost veteran pitcher Kirsten Verdun who departed.  Turnier is expected step into the rotation and provide an immediate impact for the Bandits, as she will join a rotation that includes the following pitchers.

Michelle Gascoigne- Oklahoma  4th season

Lacy Waldrop- Florida State 2nd season

Sara Moulton- Minnesota 3rd season

Tatum Edwards- Nebraska 3rd season, 2nd season with Bandits

Morgan Foley- University of Indianapolis 1st season.

Turnier is expected to be with the  Bandits when they open their championship defense with a three-game series at home against the Scrap Yard Dawgs, beginning at 8:05 p.m eastern. on June 2. Wont take long for Turnier to see familiar face as when the Chicago Bandits host the Dallas Charge on June 8-10, Turnier will face her former UCF Teammate Kahley Novak. Turnier will have a homecoming return when the Bandits play the USSSA Pride in Orlando at The Wide World of Sports Champions Stadium from July 16-18.

UCF Knights in the NPF

Stephanie Best ( 2005-2008,2010)  Won NPF Title with Monica Abbott and the Washington Glory in 2007. Played with  Allison Kime and the Rockford Thunder in 2008. 

Allison Kime (2008-2009) Won NPF Title with Cat Osterman and the Rockford Thunder in 2009. Played against former teammate Breanne Javier in 2009 NPF Championship Series.

Breanne Javier (2009) – Was part of USSSA Pride 1st season and the Pride runner up in NPF Championship series where they lost to Kime’s Rockford Thunder

Kahley Novak (2015-present)- Was 16th overall pick in 2015 NPF Draft by the Dallas Charge.

 

 

NCAA Regionals Recap

On this edition of In The Circle  Podcast, Eric Lopez and Victor Anderson recap the Regionals and look ahead to the Super Regionals.

In the Circle Podcast : Regionals Recap and Super Regional Outlook

Below is a breakdown of the TV Viewers for the NCAA Regionals that were shown this weekend on ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU.

Sunday- May 22 –  Ohio State at Tennessee  796,000 on ESPN

                                      California at Alabama  689,000 on ESPN

                                      Texas A&M at Louisiana Lafayette  396,000 on ESPNU

Saturday May 21-  Louisiana Lafayette vs Texas 518,000 on ESPN

                                     Ole Miss at Oklahoma  474,000 on ESPN

                                       Baylor at Oregon  374,000 on ESPN

                                        Ole Miss vs Wichita State 358,000 on ESPN2

                                         Texas vs Texas AM   313,000 on  ESPN2

                                           Arizona vs Tennessee 298,000 on ESPN2

                                            Baylor vs Long Beach State 277,000 on ESPN2

                                           UCF at Florida  246,000 viewers on ESPN2

 Friday May 20-  Wichita State at Oklahoma  436,000  on ESPN

                                           Nebraska vs BYU  345,000 on ESPN

                                            Fordham at Oregon  242,000 on ESPN2

                                            Texas vs Texas AM  198,000 on ESPN2

                                            Boston U at Louisiana Lafayette 194,000 on ESPN2

                                             Long Beach State vs Baylor 182,000 on ESPN2

                                              Nebraska vs Missouri 147,000 on ESPNU

                                               Ohio State vs Arizona  114,000 on ESPNU

                                                USC UpState vs Oregon State 103,000 on ESPNU

                                                 Tulsa vs Ole Miss 85,000 on ESPNU

 Thursday May 19- BYU vs Missouri 250,000 on ESPN2

                                                        Louisville vs BYU 189,000 on ESPN2

 

Here is Super Regional Schedule.

Gainesville Super Regional 

Date	Time (ET)	Game/Commentators	Network
Thu, May 26	7 p.m.	No. 16 Georgia at No. 1 Florida Trey Bender, Jennie Ritter	ESPN2
Fri, May 27	5 p.m.	No. 1 Florida vs. No. 16 Georgia	ESPN2
Fri, May 27	8 p.m.	Game 3: If Necessary	ESPNU

Norman Super Regional 

Date	Time (ET)	Game/Commentators	Network
Thu, May 26	9 p.m.	No. 14 Louisiana-Lafayette at No. 3 Oklahoma  Adam Amin, Amanda Scarborough	ESPN2
Fri, May 27	7 p.m.	No. 3 Oklahoma vs. No. 14 Louisiana-Lafayette	ESPN2
Fri, May 27	10 p.m.	Game 3: If Necessary	ESPNU

Harrisonburg Super Regional 

Date	Time (ET)	Game/Commentators	Network
Fri, May 27	3 p.m.	No. 10 LSU at No. 7 James Madison Jenn Hildreth, Carol Bruggeman	ESPNU
Sat, May 28	Noon	No. 7James Madison vs. No. 10 LSU	ESPN
Sat, May 28	3 p.m.	Game 3: If Necessary	ESPNU

Tuscaloosa Super Regional 

Date	Time (ET)	Game/Commentators	Network
Fri, May 27	9 p.m.	No. 11 Washington at No. 6 Alabama Beth Mowins, Michele Smith, Jessica Mendoza	ESPN2
Sat, May 28	5:30 p.m.	No. 6 Alabama vs. No. 11 Washington	ESPN
Sat, May 28	8:30 p.m.	Game 3: If Necessary	ESPN2

Tallahassee Super Regional 

Date	Time (ET)	Game/Commentators	Network
Fri, May 27	5 p.m.	Utah at No. 8 Florida State Cara Capuano, Leah Amico	ESPNU
Sat, May 28	4:30 p.m.	No. 8 Florida State vs. Utah	ESPN2
Sat, May 28	7:30 p.m.	Game 3: If Necessary	ESPN

Ann Arbor Super Regional 

Date	Time (ET)	Game/Commentators	Network
Sat, May 28	3 p.m.	No. 15 Missouri at No. 2 Michigan Pam Ward, Cheri Kempf	ESPN
Sun, May 29	Noon	No. 2 Michigan vs. No. 15 Missouri	ESPN
Sun, May 29	3 p.m.	Game 3: If Necessary	ESPNU

Auburn Super Regional 

Date	Time (ET)	Game/Commentators	Network
Sat, May 28	6:30 p.m.	Arizona at No. 4 Auburn Tiffany Greene, Jenny Dalton-Hill	ESPN2
Sun, May 29	2 p.m.	No. 4 Auburn vs. Arizona	ESPN
Sun, May 29	5 p.m.	Game 3: If Necessary	ESPNU

Eugene Super Regional 

Date	Time (ET)	Game/Commentators	Network
Sat, May 28	9:30 p.m.	No. 12 UCLA at No. 5 Oregon Mark Neely, Danielle Lawrie	ESPN
Sun, May 29	7 p.m.	No. 5 Oregon vs. No. 12 UCLA	ESPNU
Sun, May 29	10 p.m.	Game 3: If Necessary	ESPNU

Networks and schedule are subject to change

 

 

 

 

                                            

NCAA Softball Tournament Outlook

On this edition of  In The Circle Podcast, Eric Lopez and Victor Anderson break down the NCAA Softball Tournament. They breakdown all the regionals as well as disect how the committee did. What mistakes did the committee make?

• Who has toughest regional
• Who has easiest regional
• Who missed Tournament that Should be In?
• Who in Tournament that should not Be In?

In The Circle Podcast : NCAA Tournament Outlook

DATES/SITES/PAIRINGS:

*Indicates Host Institution

Gainesville Regional – May 20-22 at Gainesville, Florida

No. 1 seed Florida* (53-5) vs. Alabama St. (28-25)

Florida Atlantic (50-7) vs. UCF (36-20)

 

Athens Regional – May 20-22 at Athens, Georgia

Oklahoma St. (29-24) vs. Northwestern (26-26)

Maine (28-19) vs. No. 16 seed Georgia* (40-17)

 

Lexington Regional – May 20-22 at Lexington, Kentucky

No. 9 seed Kentucky* (43-12) vs. Butler (28-22)

Illinois (35-21) vs. Utah (32-19)

 

Tallahassee Regional – May 20-22 at Tallahassee, Florida

FSU’s Lonni Alameda

South Fla. (44-14) vs. South Carolina (36-21)

Florida A&M (27-28) vs. No. 8 seed Florida St.* (48-8)

 

Eugene Regional – May 20-22 at Eugene, Oregon

No. 5 seed Oregon* (44-8) vs. Fordham (39-19)

Long Beach St. (32-20) vs. Baylor (43-12)

 

Los Angeles Regional – May 20-22 at Los Angeles, California

Fresno St. (41-10-1) vs. Cal St. Fullerton (43-14)

Cal St. Bakersfield (16-32) vs. No. 12 seed UCLA* (35-13-1)

 

Knoxville Regional – May 20-22 at Knoxville, Tennessee

No. 13 seed Tennessee* (41-14) vs. Marist (45-11)

Ohio St. (33-18-1) vs. Arizona (36-19)

 

Auburn Regional – May 20-22 at Auburn, Alabama

Clint Myers

Oregon St. (30-18-1) vs. USC Upstate (43-12)

Jacksonville St. (41-15) vs. No. 4 seed Auburn* (49-9)
Norman Regional – May 20-22 at Norman, Oklahoma

 

No. 3 seed Oklahoma * (47-7) vs. Wichita St. (35-19)

Tulsa (35-19) vs. Ole Miss (39-20)

 

Lafayette Regional – May 20-22 at Lafayette, Louisiana

Texas A&M (37-18) vs. Texas (37-14)

Boston U. (28-22) vs. No. 14 seed La.-Lafayette* (43-7)

 

Seattle Regional – May 20-22 at Seattle, Washington

No. 11 seed Washington* (36-13) vs. Weber St. (37-17)

North Dakota St. (38-13) vs. Minnesota (41-12)

 

Tuscaloosa Regional – May 20-22 at Tuscaloosa, Alabama

California (31-22-1) vs. Texas St. (39-20)

Samford (40-18) vs. No. 6 seed Alabama* (46-12)

 

Harrisonburg Regional – May 20-22 at Harrisonburg, Virginia

No. 7 seed James Madison* (46-4) vs. Princeton (23-26)

Longwood (38-18) vs. North Carolina (31-23)

 

Baton Rouge Regional – May 20-22 at Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Beth Torina – Photo by LSUSports.Net

McNeese St. (42-12) vs. Arizona St. (30-25)

LIU Brooklyn (30-25) vs. No. 10 seed LSU* (45-15)

 

Columbia  Regional – May 19-21 at Columbia, Missouri

No. 15 seed Missouri* (39-14) vs. BYU (35-19)

Louisville (35-15) vs. Nebraska (33-19)

 

Ann Arbor Regional – May 20-22 at Ann Arbor, Michigan

Notre Dame (41-11) vs. Miami (OH) (34-21)

Valparaiso (18-32) vs. No. 2 seed Michigan* (46-5)

LSU-Auburn Tops Viewers for Season

Beth Torina – Photo by LSUSports.Net

Clint Myers

The SEC Championship game between LSU and Auburn was the most watched College Softball game of the season to date. The Auburn Tigers win over LSU garnered 587,000 viewers on Saturday on ESPN according to SportsTVRatings.com . It beat the Georgia-Alabama game on May 7th which had 505,000 viewers on ESPN.

This year SEC Title game is down from last year’s SEC Title game between Auburn and Tennessee had 887,000 viewers. Keep in mind though that last year’s SEC title game aired on primetime compared to this year’s 5pm eastern start time.

The ACC Championship game between Notre Dame and Florida State that aired before the SEC Championship game on ESPN had 486,000 viewers making it the most watched ACC Softball championship game ever as it was up from last year’s ACC Title game between Florida State and Pittsburgh which had 453,000 viewers. The American Conference Championship game between South Florida and Tulsa which aired on ESPN had 484,000 viewers. It was the first time the American Conference Championship game aired on ESPN and did not go up against a Softball game.

Last year Championship game between Tulsa and UCF aired on ESPN2 went head to head against the ACC Championship game at the same time. In 2014 The American Conference Tournament  was effected by rain so it aired Semi-final game between UCF and Rutgers from Houston on ESPN2 that went up against a regular season Big 12 Softball game.

The Big East Championship game between St John’s and Butler had  tough competition going up against ACC and SEC title games on a lesser network airing on Fox Sports 2. The game garnered 24,000 viewers which did triple last year’s Big East Title game between St John’s and Seton Hall which had 8,000 viewers.

The NCAA Selection Show on Sunday night that aired on ESPNU garnered 109,000 viewers.

ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU Softball Schedule

Date	Time (ET)	Game	Network
March 18	7 p.m.	No. 16 Tennessee at No. 1 Florida	ESPNU-  74K
March 24	5 p.m.	Mississippi Valley State at Texas Southern	ESPNU-44K
March 26	Noon	Florida at  LSU	ESPN2-250K
	9 p.m.	Texas at  Baylor	ESPN2-164K
April 2	Noon	Alabama at  Florida	ESPN2-298k
	12pm 10:30 p.m.	Tennessee at MissouriUCLA at  Oregon	ESPNU-101kESPNU- 99K
April 3	7 p.m.	Ole Miss at Mississippi State	ESPNU- 91k
April 8	7 p.m.	Coastal Carolina at Winthrop	ESPNU- 67K
April 9	Noon	Texas A&M at  Tennessee	ESPNU- 135k
	5:30 p.m.	NC State at  Florida State	ESPNU-89k
	3 p.m.	Kentucky at LSU	ESPN – 392k
	7:30 p.m.	Georgia at  Missouri	ESPNU-163K
April 10	3 p.m.	Oklahoma at  Baylor	ESPN2- 208K
	4 p.m.	NC State at  Florida State	ESPNU- 73k
April 16	1 p.m.3pm	Tennessee at  GeorgiaTexas at Oklahoma	ESPN 2-207kESPN2-219K
April 17	12 p.m.	Missouri at Kentucky	ESPNU- 163k
April 23	2 p.m.430pm	Georgia at  AuburnTexas AM at Missouri	ESPNU-75KESPNU-112K
	2 p.m.	Oklahoma at  Tennessee	ESPN- 311K
	5 p.m.	UCLA at  Arizona	ESPN2-182k
April 24	3:30 p.m.	Notre Dame at North Carolina	ESPNU-70K
	5 p.m.	UCLA at  Arizona	ESPN2-166k
April 25	7 p.m.	Notre Dame at North Carolina	ESPNU-88K
April 27	6 p.m.	Long Beach State at Cal State Fullerton	ESPNU-45k
	10:30 p.m.	Long Beach State at Cal State Fullerton	ESPNU*-34K
April 28	4 p.m.	Bethune-Cookman at Florida A&M	ESPNU-41K
April 30	7 p.m.	LSU at Arkansas	ESPNU- 148K
	8 p.m.	Auburn at  Tennessee	ESPN2-Rain Out
May 1	3 p.m.	Arizona at  Oregon	ESPN2- 183K
	5 p.m.	UCF at USF	ESPNU-124k
May 7	Noon	Georgia at  Alabama	ESPN- 505k
	1 p.m.	Texas A&M at  Auburn	ESPN- 418K
	1pm 3 p.m.	Arkansas at Florida  South Carolina at  Missouri	ESPNU- 73K ESPNU-58K
May 13	12pm 3 p.m.	Auburn vs Alabama LSU vs Tennessee	ESPNU- 81K ESPNU- 148K
	5:30 p.m.	Auburn vs Florida	ESPNU- 183K
May 14	Noon	Tulsa vs South Florida	ESPN- 484K
	2 p.m.	Notre Dame vs Florida State	ESPN- 486K
	5 p.m.	LSU vs Auburn	ESPN- 587K
May 14	3pm	Butler vs St John’s	FS2- 24k

Final Projections Before Selection Sunday

Here is my Final 2016 NCAA Softball Tournament Projections of the season. () is RPI ranking.

Here on the In The Circle Podcast, we breakdown the Conference Tournaments, Teams that are in and out and seeding scenarios and more. Below are the final projections heading into Selection Sunday how we think the Commitee will pair them up not how We would do it.

ACC (4): Florida State (7), Notre Dame (29),  Louisville (46), North Carolina (35)

American (3): UCF (31), South Florida (20), Tulsa (41)

Big East: Butler

Big 12 (5):  Oklahoma(4), Baylor (13),  Texas (26), Oklahoma State (34),Kansas (47)

Big Ten (5): Michigan (2), Minnesota (22), Nebraska (32), Ohio State (40), Illinois(48)

Pac-12 (7):  Oregon (9), Washington (6), UCLA (14),  Arizona (21), Utah(25), Oregon State (30), California (37)

SEC (11): Florida (1),  Alabama (3), Auburn (8), Missouri(10),  Kentucky (16),  Tennessee (11), LSU (15), Georgia (19), Texas A&M(17), South Carolina (24), Ole Miss (27)

A-10: Fordham

America East: Maine

A-Sun: USC Upstate

Big Sky: Weber State

Big South: Longwood

Big West (2): Cal State Fullerton (28), Long Beach State (36)

CAA:  James Madison (5)

C-USA: Florida Atlantic (23)

Horizon: Valparaiso

Ivy: Princeton

MAAC: Marist

MAC: Miami (Ohio)

MEAC: Florida A&M

MVC: Wichita State (50)

MWC: Fresno State (17)

NEC: LIU Brooklyn

OVC: Jacksonville State

Patriot: Boston U

Southern: Samford (53)

Southland: McNeese State (33)

Summit: North Dakota State

Sun Belt (3): Louisiana-Lafayette (12), Texas State (44), South Alabama (43)

SWAC: Alabama State

WAC: Cal State Bakersfield

WCC: BYU (45)

Last 4 In : Kansas, Illinois, South Alabama, Oklahoma State

First 4 Out : CSUN (52), Virginia Tech (42) , Boston College (52), Arizona State (39),

Projected Regionals (Teams listed 1-4 as Seeds)

1- Florida, USF, FAU, FAMU

2- Michigan, Oregon State, Wichita State, Valpo

3-Oklahoma, Utah, Tulsa, Boston

4- Oregon, Nebraska, Kansas , Weber State

5- Auburn, Oklahoma State, South Alabama, Alabama State.

6-Florida State, Georgia, UCF, Jacksonville State

7-Washington, Cal State Fullerton, BYU, Princeton

8- James Madison, South Carolina, North Carolina, Fordham

9- Alabama, California, USC Upstate, Samford

10- Louisiana Lafayette, Ole Miss, Illinois, Maine

11-LSU, Texas, McNeese State, LIU Brooklyn

12- UCLA, Fresno State, Long Beach State, Cal State Bakersfield

13- Baylor, Texas A&M, Texas State, Marist

14- Tennessee, Arizona, Louisville, Longwood

15-Kentucky, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Miami Ohio

16- Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota State, Butler

Teams in Contention to Host

Fresno State, Arizona, Georgia

Conference RPI Rankings Top 12

1- SEC

2- Pac 12

3- Big 12

4- ACC

5- Big Ten

6- Sun Belt

7- American

8- Colonial

9-Big West

10-A-Sun

11- Mountain West

12- CUSA

If you have any thoughts on these projections, send us a tweet and use #AskELo.

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NCAA Softball Tournament Projections V

Here is my Fifth 2016 NCAA Softball Tournament Projections of the season. () is RPI ranking.

Here is In The Circle Podcast where we breakdown the Conference Tournaments, Teams that are in and out and seeding scenarios and more.

In The Circle Podcast : NCAA Tournament Projections, Conference Tournament Previews

ACC (4): Florida State (7), Notre Dame (29),  Louisville (46), North Carolina (35)

American (3): UCF (31), South Florida (20), Tulsa (41)

Big East: DePaul

Big 12 (5):  Oklahoma(4), Baylor (13),  Texas (26), Oklahoma State (34),Kansas (47)

Big Ten (4): Michigan (2), Minnesota (22), Nebraska (32), Ohio State (40)

 Pac-12 (7):  Oregon (9), Washington (6), UCLA (14),  Arizona (21), Utah(25), Oregon State (30), California (37)

 SEC (11): Florida (1),  Alabama (3), Auburn (8), Missouri(10),  Kentucky (16),  Tennessee (11), LSU (15), Georgia (19), Texas A&M(17), South Carolina (24), Ole Miss (27)

 A-10: Fordham

 America East: Albany

 A-Sun: USC Upstate

 Big Sky: Sacramento State

 Big South: Longwood

 Big West (3): Cal State Fullerton (28), Long Beach State (36), CSUN (55)

 CAA:  James Madison (5)

 C-USA: Florida Atlantic (23)

 Horizon: Wright State

Ivy: Dartmouth

 MAAC: Marist

 MAC: Miami (Ohio)

 MEAC: Delaware State

 MVC: Wichita State (50)

 MWC: Fresno State (17)

 NEC: Saint Francis

 OVC: Jacksonville State

 Patriot: Lehigh

Southern: Samford (53)

 Southland: McNeese State (33)

 Summit: North Dakota State

 Sun Belt (3): Louisiana-Lafayette (12), Texas State (44), South Alabama (43)

 SWAC: Alabama State

 WAC: New Mexico State

 WCC: BYU (45)

Last 4 In : Kansas, CSUN, Ohio State, Oklahoma State

First 4 Out :  Illinois (48), Virginia Tech (42) , Boston College (52), Arizona State (39),

Projected Host Teams

1- Florida

2- Michigan

3-Oklahoma

4- Oregon

5- Florida State

6-Alabama

7-Washington

8- Auburn

9- James Madison

10- Tennessee

11-Louisiana Lafayette

12- Kentucky

13- Missouri

14- LSU

15-Baylor

16- UCLA

Teams in Contention to Host

Fresno State, Arizona, Georgia, Minnesota

Conference RPI Rankings Top 12

1- SEC

2- Pac 12

3- Big 12

4- ACC

5- Big Ten

6- Sun Belt

7- American

8- Colonial

9-Big West

10-A-Sun

11- Mountain West

12- CUSA

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