CLAREMORE, Okla. - The Winona State University softball team returns to action in the NCAA Division II Softball Championship Tournament today, Friday May 13 when they take on Washburn University at 1:30 p.m. in Claremore, Okla.

The Warriors and Ichabods will face off in an elimination game in the NCAA Tournament, with both teams coming off strong performances on Thursday but falling on the wrong side of a pitching duel. 

Winona State (40-16) and Washburn (45-14) both received outstanding effort from their starting pitchers on Thursday, with WSU's Liz Pautz throwing a two-hitter and WU's Jacee Ginter a three-hitter in games decided by 1-0 scorelines. Top-seed and host Rogers State dealt Winona State a 1-0 setback and Minnesota State - Mankato beat Washburn by a 1-0 scoreline as well. 

WSU will look to rebound as they take the field today in what is the program's 15th appearance in the NCAA Division II Softball Tournament. The Warriors were the top defensive team in the NSIC this year, registering a .975 fielding percentage and had the second-most effective offense in the league, racking up a .330 team batting average and .391 team on-base percentage. 

The Ichabods and Warriors last faced off on March 18, 2017, a 3-1 Warrior win. Since 2013, WSU owns a 3-1 record over Washburn with all games occurring in neutral-site venues.  For the most current information on the 2022 NCAA Division II Softball Central Region Tournament, head to this link. 

For the most up-to-date news in Warrior Athletics, please visit: www.WINONASTATEWARRIORS.com and @WinonaStateATH.

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About Winona State University Athletics: 

The Winona State University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, as an integral part of the educational mission of the institution, is committed to offering opportunities to experience academic and athletic excellence for our student-athletes through two simple words: Graduate Champions.  

Fourteen Warrior programs compete at the NCAA Division II level within the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC).  Winona State University competes as an affiliate member of the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) in the sport of women's gymnastics.