ST. GEORGE — The top 16 Division I Junior College regional champions from around the United States will converge on St. George from Wednesday through Saturday to vie for a national title during the 2019 National Junior College Athletic Association Division I Softball Championship at the Canyons Complex.
St. George has hosted the double-elimination tournament since 2009, according to a press release from the city.
“Many softball teams from throughout the nation make goals for their season. For many it’s to reach St. George,” Emerson Watanabe, tournament director and recreation manager for the city of St. George, said in the press release. “That type of name recognition in the softball world is a testament to our community members – staff, tournament volunteers and residents – who make this tournament such a great experience for the players, coaches and fans.”
Seminole State (Okla.) is the top seed heading into the tournament, with a 51-2 record and 46-game winning streak. The Trojans have not lost since Feb. 12.
Salt Lake Community College, a perennial St. George visitor, is the No. 5 seed at 47-6 and has won 26 straight.
Action begins Wednesday with four games at 5 p.m. and four more at 7:30 p.m. Play continues Thursday at 2:30 p.m., and on the following day games begin as early as noon.
A championship game is slated for Friday at noon, with the possibility of an “if-necessary game” to follow.
Spectators can purchase tickets in advance online and at the St. George Recreation Center, 285 S. 400 East. Once the tournament begins, tickets will be available only at the Canyons Complex.
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