May 11, 2008 - With a 9-1, five inning win over Winona State, the #6 Emporia State softball team will be making it?s second trip to the national championship finals tournament. ESU will be playing #9 CW Post at 5:30 p.m. on May 14, 2008 in Houston, Texas.

The Hornets advanced all the way to the national championship game in 2006, losing 3-0 to Lock Haven in the finals. ESU could match up with Lock Haven in the second round of this year?s tournament. In fact all four of the team in ESU?s half of the bracket are ranked in the top nine of the latest NFCA National Poll.

ESU will be flying to Houston via chartered plane. The Hornets flight is scheduled to depart Topeka?s Forbes Field at 3 p.m. on Monday, May 12. The team will leave Emporia at 12 noon from the parking lot of the Trusler Sports Complex.

First Round Schedule

May 14, 2008

10:00 a.m. #3 Barry vs. #22 St. Edwards

12:30 p.m. Ferris State vs. Francis Marion

3:00 p.m. #1 Lock Haven vs. Humboldt State

5:30 p.m. #9 C.W. Post vs. #6 Emporia State

All games will be at Memorial Park located at 6501 Memorial Drive in Houston, Texas.

NOTES:

All of ESU?s games will be carried on 104.9FM/KFFX with Steve Sauder handling the play by play duties.

ESU won the NAIA National Championship in 1983 and 1984, the AIAW National Championship in 1980 and finished second in the NAIA in 1982 and NCAA Division II in 2006.

This is the first year the softball championships will be held in conjunction with the Division II Spring National Championship Sports Festival. National championship in Golf, Lacrosse, Softball and Tennis will be crowned in Texas this week.

ESU will be staying at the Hyatt Regency Houston.