Softball team is in national tournament for first time in program history

History was made on Tuesday evening as the Eastern Florida State College softball team received an at-large bid to the NJCAA Division I National Championship Tournament.

The Titans will be heading to the national tournament for the first time in program history after a program best 44-win season.

"I am just so happy for these girls, they have worked so hard and deserve this so much," Eastern Florida State College softball coach Andrew Zeger said. "To watch them celebrate tonight was special, but this team is focused and will be ready to compete in Alabama. I can't wait to see what they do."

Eastern Florida State College is the No. 9 seed in the tournament and will open the tournament on Monday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. CT against No. 8 seed Trinity Valley.

The Titans made a run at the FCSAA D1 Softball Championships, defeating No. 12 Indian River State College, No. 15 Miami Dade and then made the final of the B Bracket with a one-hit shutout win over No. 6 Santa Fe College. They went on to fall short in the B Bracket final, losing 1-0 in eight innings to Northwest Florida State College who is the No. 2 seed in the tournament.

It marked the second time the Titans have made it to the B Bracket final and put them in the hunt for an at-large bid in the national tournament.

"I was thrilled and excited for the team and the coaches when we found out they made the national championships - I am so proud of this team!" Eastern Florida State College Associate Vice Presidet of Athletics Jeff carr said. "They are amazing people on and off the field and what a deserving honor! Let's go get a national championship."

The sophomore class has set multiple school records this season and found their power stroke at the FCSAA Tournament, hitting five home runs in the five games. And now they head to Alabama to play for a national title beginning Monday in Oxford.

"Earning an at-large bid to the NJCAA Division I National Tournament for the first time in program history is an extraordinary achievement for our EFSC Titans and a testament to the dedication, and talent of this team," said College President Dr. Jim Richey. "Finishing the season with a program-record 44 wins, ranking 11th in the nation, and showcasing one of the most powerful offenses in the state reflects the incredible work of our student-athletes and Coach Andrew Zeger. We are immensely proud of the way they represented Eastern Florida State College, both on and off the field. This run will stand as a defining moment in our program's history."

Florida Southwestern is the No. 1 seed while Santa Fe College also received an at-large bid and is the No. 11 seed.