COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — The Ohio State softball team has powered its way back into the NCAA Tournament, set to compete at a familiar ballpark.
The Buckeyes are making their 13th all-time NCAA Tournament appearance this weekend and first under head coach Kirin Kumar in the Knoxville Regional.
“No one expected us to do what we did at Ohio State,” said Kumar. “For us, I’m very proud of what this group has done from the beginning.”
Five of the Buckeyes’ last six NCAA Tournament appearances have been in the Knoxville Regional, most recently in 2022.
“It’s a great ballpark, great energy to play in. I think we have some great competition to contribute to. We are excited to continue to play Ohio State softball,” Kami Kortokrax said on playing in her second Knoxville Regional. “Don’t take anything for granted, leave everything on the field. The double elimination allows teams to bounce back if they need to. We’re a really strong team physically and mentally. We’re very confident in ourselves.”
The Buckeyes earned the No. 2 seed and are set to face third-seeded North Carolina on Friday at 4 P.M. The game features two of the top offenses in the country, with Ohio State leading the nation in home runs (137), slugging percentage (.707), and runs per game (8.44). The Buckeyes look to complement their power-hitting lineup with sharp defense. Ohio State committed five errors in its early Big Ten Tournament exit against Purdue. Mistakes, Kumar says, cannot happen against UNC.
“I told them to refocus and rebuild,” said Kumar. That wasn’t Ohio State softball. We’re talking about defense; we don’t make those errors, we win that game. We didn’t dwell on it because it’s not the definition of our season.”
The Buckeyes’ season has been defined by unexpected success, and the program is looking to rewrite history and survive a regional in which they struggle to advance.
“We’re excited for another opportunity to play together with this team and for these coaches,” said Kortokrax. “Something special is happening, and we’re excited to continue to do what we’ve done all season.”
Ohio State’s lone appearance in the NCAA Super Regional was in 2009. The tournament is a double elimination format with a field featuring seventh-ranked Tennessee, Ohio State, North Carolina, and Kumar’s former team, the Miami RedHawks.
Saturday, May 17 // Sherri Parker Lee Stadium // Knoxville, Tenn.
Game 3: Game 1 winner vs. Game 2 winner // NoonGame: 4: Game 1 loser vs. Game 2 loser // 2:30 p.m. (elimination game)Game 5: Game 3 loser vs. Game 4 winner // 5 p.m. (elimination game)Sunday, May 18 // Sherri Parker Lee Stadium // Knoxville, Tenn.Game 6: Game 3 winner vs. Game 5 winner // NoonGame 7: Championship game (if necessary) // 2:30 p.m.
