Stars align for trip to Lone Star State: KCU softball wins region to advance to NCCAA World Series
Kentucky Christian’s softball Knights have had their eyes on something big as they collected 11 wins in their last 14 games: the state of Texas. The Knights are one of eight teams competing in the NCCAA World Series beginning on Monday in Grapevine, Texas. Third-year KCU head coach Mark Ritchhart said his team departed for the Lone Star State around 3 a.
m. Friday. It’s the second time he’s led the Knights this deep into the postseason.
In 2024 in Kansas City, KCU went 1-2 in the double-elimination format. To get to this point, KCU beat Grace Christian twice and Alice Lloyd twice in the Mideast Regional. “I’m so thankful for the girls to get this opportunity,” Ritchhart said.
“We’ve had ups and downs, but it’s always been a great group. I’m grateful we could finish strong. ” In the Mideast Region championship against Alice Lloyd, Hannah Melton recorded a game-tying single, plating Rebecca Engler in the seventh inning.
It prompted extra frames. In the eighth inning, Engler and Alyna Ruiz reached base to bring up Melton again. She ripped a two-run single to center to lift KCu to a 4-2 lead and ultimately the win.