DePaul University Athletics
NCAA Softball Selection Show Sunday Night
5/16/2010 12:00:00 AM | SOFTBALL
CHICAGO - DePaul's second season is expected to begin on Sunday night.
That's when the Blue Demons anticipate landing an at-large berth in the NCAA Championship tournament. The brackets will be revealed on the NCAA Selection Show at 9 p.m. on ESPNU.
The coaching staff, players, media and fans will gather in the second-floor conference room at the Sullivan Athletic Center to watch the telecast.
DePaul comes into the selection process with a 38-16 record and an RPI (Ratings Percentage Index) of No. 20 in the country. That should be enough to place the Blue Demons in the 64-team field.
The Blue Demons are shooting for their fourth consecutive NCAA tournament appearance and the 13th in the last 14 years. They advanced to the Women's College World Series in 2007, 2005, 2000 and 1999.
Last season, DePaul made it to the NCAA regional finals before falling to Missouri 1-0 in Columbia, Mo.
In the latest RPI ranking, DePaul had played eight teams in the top 20 including No. 1 Alabama, No. 2 Washington, No. 3 Michigan, No. 8 Texas, No. 9 LSU, No. 15 Arizona State, No. 16 Hawaii and No. 19 Illinois. Coach Eugene Lenti's ballclub has beaten Washington, Hawaii and Illinois.
Among teams expected to make the NCAA field, DePaul has defeated North Carolina, Louisville, Notre Dame and Fresno State.
The Blue Demons also have 10 wins against teams that have been ranked in the Top 25 at some point during the season.
Syracuse (32-24) became an automatic NCAA qualifier after beating Louisville 2-1 Saturday for the BIG EAST Championship title. It was the Orange's first BIG EAST tournament title.
DePaul shortstop Tara Voss was the only Blue Demon named to the All-Tournament Team. Syracuse ace Jenna Caira was chosen Most Outstanding Player.
