OXFORD, Ala.- The Florida SouthWestern State Buccaneers will head to the 2023 NJCAA Division I Softball World Series to defend their back to back National Championships as the #2 seed and will take on the Gaston Rhinos, who are making their first trip to the tournament, in the first round as the World Series bracket was announced by the NJCAA on Friday.
The Bucs head to Oxford, Alabama with a 49-5 record and Southern Conference and FCSAA State Championships in tow. FSW has played a difficult slate in 2023 as their strength of schedule rates fifth toughest of the 16 teams in this year's World Series according to the Massey Ratings. The Bucs have 14 wins over Top 20 ranked teams this season including each of their last two victories to reach the World Series against #8 Seminole State (Fl) and #6 Northwest Florida who will join them in Oxford. Midway through the season, FSW rolled off a 32 game winning streak matching their second longest such streak in program history.
The Bucs drew the #2 seed for this year's World Series and head to Oxford as one of the favorites after winning back to back NJCAA National Championships in 2021 and 2022. FSW has done things both the hard way and the easy way to their two titles, sweeping through the field in 2021 and fighting off five elimination games in route to their 2022 Championship. The Bucs bring back plenty of experience to the World Series as three members of their 2022 squad who were named to the All-Tournament Team are back for more in 2023 including National Tournament MVP Belle Sardja and Most Outstanding Defensive Player Feline Poot.
FSW's road to their third straight title will begin with the Rhinos of Gaston College at 7:00 PM (ET) Tuesday at Choccolocco Park in Oxford.
For an inside look at the Bucs trip to the World Series, including their trip to Oxford, and their visit to the world famous Talladega Superspeedway, stay tuned to their Instagram page @FSWBucs Saturday, Sunday, and Monday ahead of the tournament as three FSW Softball players will take over the account, giving you behind the scenes access to the team on their trip.
If you aren't able to go with the Bucs to Oxford, make sure to stop by Buckett's in Fort Myers for their official watch parties where 15% of every check during the game will go right back to FSW Athletics.
