Did you know there’s an NIT equivalent for college softball? Me neither, but it’s a thing, and Colorado State and Northern Colorado will be continuing their seasons today in the National Invitational Softball Championship (NISC).
That’s not a knock on these programs. CSU is making its first postseason appearance since 2003, when it received an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament; I understand the allure the NISC could provide a hungry young team that returns 15 underclassmen next year, it’s just fascinating that this opportunity presents itself for any team.
If you’re wondering (I was, and I used to follow NCAA softball fairly religiously), the NISC is a 17-team tournament that knows exactly what it is. Unlike the NIT or WNIT in basketball, which tout teams that were snubbed from the NCAA Tournament, the NISC makes it clear on its own website that it “gives teams a chance to enjoy the experience of a postseason run, while building momentum and player development that is key for next year.” No big-time programs here. This is exhibition softball at its finest.
And that’s OK. If you’re CSU, this is what you need. You play in a league that lacks a conference tournament, meaning getting by with just being good during the regular season and catching fire down the stretch doesn’t get you anywhere. The job coach Jen Fisher has done in her eight seasons has been phenomenal, scheduling tough nonconference games and posting at least 22 wins in all but her first season despite being stuck with facilities on par with — if not worse — than your neighborhood park’s. But ultimately, there are no Mountain West championships around CSU softball, and haven’t been since 2004. If that’s going to change, it’ll take utilizing the extra experience the NISC is offering.
The Rams (26-21) play South Dakota State (32-16) at 2 p.m., and the Bears (28-26) will play Loyola Marymount (28-23-1) at 6 p.m. Both games are in Greeley, with the winner of each advancing to play in the regional championship. After that? It’s not exactly clear where the final four will be played.
This is a weird tournament that was supposed to have 24-32 teams in the field and last year bracketed 26. But if it means building experience and giving local schools a chance to improve their chances of competing for a championship, I’m all for it.
— , The Denver Post
Want to receive this daily newsletter in your inbox?
What’s on tap?
- MLB: Rockies off
TV/RADIO: Here’s what sports are airing today
Scoreboard
MLB: Padres 4, Rockies 0
Full story |
Must-Read
Kiszla vs. Saunders: How much will the Colorado Rockies miss DJ LeMahieu when he’s gone?
With a second trip to the disabled list, have we been offered a glimpse of Rockies life after LeMahieu? When this season ends, his contract expires. Should we color him gone? Read more…
Denver Nuggets keep 14th overall pick following NBA draft lottery
One of the more bizarre streaks in the NBA continued Tuesday night. The Nuggets, who have never moved up in the league’s draft lottery in franchise history, kept the No. 14 selection when the pingpong balls bounced in Chicago. Read more…
Denver Broncos team up with Special Olympics Colorado for Play 60 event
Broncos place-kicker Brandon McManus has worked with Special Olympics dating to his time as a high school student in Pennsylvania. Tuesday at Dove Valley, he was reminded exactly why he continues to volunteer. Read more…
Quick Hits
+ Mark Barberio re-signs with Colorado Avalanche.
+ Colorado’s Raquel Pennington on coaches at UFC 224: “I’m glad they didn’t let me quit.”
+ DJ LeMahieu injury update: Degree of thumb sprain to second baseman “concerning” for the Rockies.
+ Rockies rookie outfielder Noel Cuevas breaks down first big-league home run.
+ Avalanche forward Mikko Rantanen leads Finland past U.S. at ice hockey world championship.
+ Hedge-fund manager David Tepper to buy Carolina Panthers for record $2.2 billion.
+Lightning beat Caps to cut East final deficit to 2-1
+ POLL: Who should be the Broncos’ No. 2 quarterback in 2018? Vote here
By The Numbers
14
5 prospects Denver Nuggets could select with No. 14 pick in NBA draft
Luck was not on the Nuggets’ side during the NBA draft lottery, as Denver kept the No. 14 pick. Read more…
Parting Shot
Rockies manager Harry “Bud” Black got his nickname from the 1950’s sitcom “Father Knows Best”
He was born Harry Ralston Black on June 30, 1957, in San Mateo, California, but the older sister of the Rockies’ manager didn’t like that name. Read more…
Get in Touch
If you see something thatap cause for question or have a comment, thought or suggestion, email me at dboniface@denverpost.com or tweet me .
