Vanguard softball awarded berth into NAIA tourney

The most successful Vanguard University softball season since 1999 was extended Saturday, when the Lions learned they had received an at-large berth in the 20-team NAIA Championship, which begins Friday in Decatur, Ala.

Vanguard (39-14), which lost its first two games in the Region II Tournament, from which the winner gains an automatic berth in the NAIA Championship, was granted one of seven at-large bids.

Coach Beth Renkoski’s Lions, ranked No. 8 in the most recent NAIA poll, are in Pool B with Simon Fraser of British Columbia, Canada, Columbia (Mo.), Oklahoma City and Lee (Tenn.). Vanguard will play Oklahoma City Friday at 9 a.m. and Lee Friday at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, the Lions will complete pool play with games against Columbia (9 a.m.) and Simon Fraser (2 p.m.). All games are at the Wilson Morgan Softball Complex.

The top two records from each of the four pools will advance to an eight-team double-elimination tournament that begins May 21.

It’s Vanguard’s first trip to the national tournament since 1999.

The Lions are led by senior shortstop Rachel Bomgren, the Golden State Athletic Conference Player of the Year, as well as junior pitcher Jen Olivera.

VU faces a tough opener in Oklahoma City, which is making its record 20th appearance in the NAIA Championship. Oklahoma City’s 78 wins in the tournament are also an NAIA record.

— Barry Faulkner