Galveston College's softball team is gearing up for an exhilarating challenge as they head to the NJCAA Division I World Series in Oxford, Alabama, which will be played May 20-25, at Choccolocco Park.

Ranked No. 17 in the nation and holding the seventh seed in the tournament, the Whitecaps (43-13) seek to make an impact on the national stage. This marks GC’s third World Series appearance overall and second since 2018.

The Whitecaps will face-off against Walters State on Monday at 5 p.m. to open up their quest for a World Series title.

The Lady Senators (43-9) snuck into the national tournament as an at-large selection and are seeded 10th in the national tournament after having lost two of their last three games of their respective regional tournament. WSCC has a Top-10 pitching staff with a 2.09 ERA, a .217 BAA, and shutout opponents 16 times this season.

Offensively, the Lady Senators are batting .374 with 67 home runs and 426 runs scored in 52 games.

GC will pit a strong pitching staff and explosive offense against WSCC. The Whitecaps are batting .382 with 129 homers and 589 runs scored in 56 games, while freshman ace Jenna Johnston racked up a 25-6 record from the pitching circle.

Whitecaps Head Softball Coach Kelly Raines and Assistant Head Coach Rome McNary have been instrumental in guiding the team, instilling a sense of discipline and determination that has carried them through the season.

“Every team in the World Series is talented, which is why they are here, and every game we play will be a challenge,” said Raines. “We’re also here for a reason. We have a talented and competitive team that never gives up and keeps playing until the last out. We’re looking forward to the Series and we can’t wait to get started.”

The competition in Oxford is fierce, featuring some of the best teams in the country. The Top 4 seeds in the World Series include McLennan, Florida Southwestern, Indian River State and Northwest Florida State.

The Whitecaps are in the same bracket as No. 2-seeded Indian River (51-9), the South Atlantic District champions. The Pioneers are battle-tested after having defeated No. 20-ranked Santa Fe and No. 3-ranked Florida Southwestern in the regional tournament, and notching a 5-0 state championship victory over No. 2-ranked Northwest Florida State.

Meanwhile, GC’s path to the World Series has been paved with hard-fought victories and standout performances from key players. The team’s blend of experienced sophomores and talented freshmen has created a dynamic and cohesive unit, which became stronger as the Whitecaps won nine of their last 10 regular-season games to capture a share of the Region 14 South Conference. GC outscored its opponents 29-2 in the regional tournament, including a 19-1 rout of South Conference rival San Jacinto College-South to win the Region 14 title.

For more information about the Galveston College Whitecaps softball program, rosters and season schedule, visit https://www.gcwhitecaps.com/landing/index.

ABOUT GALVESTON COLLEGE

Galveston College was founded in 1967 and is a comprehensive community college providing the residents of Galveston Island and the surrounding region with academic, workforce development, continuing education and community service programs.