The South Dakota Coyotes are making history. After capturing their first-ever Summit League Tournament title, the softball program is heading to the Lincoln Regional for the 2026 NCAA Softball Tournament. This marks the team's inaugural NCAA Tournament appearance since the program's inception in 1978—a milestone that spans both Division I and Division II eras.

Entering the tournament with a 20-34-1 record, the Coyotes defied the odds in dramatic fashion. They won four games in four days, including two nail-biting one-run victories over top-seeded Omaha. The hero of the tournament was pitcher Madison Evans, who was named the 2026 Summit League All-Tournament Team MVP for her stellar performances in the circle. With this win, South Dakota became just the second team in Summit League history to claim the tournament title as a No. 4 seed, joining Western Illinois (2008) in that exclusive club.

The Lincoln Regional will take place at Bowlin Stadium (capacity 2,530) in Lincoln, Nebraska, from May 15-17. The Coyotes enter as the No. 4 seed and will face regional host Nebraska, the Big Ten tournament champions, on Friday, May 15. Joining them in the regional are Grand Canyon (Mountain West champions, 52-8) and Louisville (ACC at-large selection, 44-12).

For South Dakota, this is more than just a postseason berth—it's a testament to resilience and a defining moment for a program on the rise. Gear up for the Coyotes' historic run with our exclusive collection of South Dakota softball apparel, perfect for fans ready to cheer on their team in Lincoln.