Get ready for an exciting showdown in the Tallahassee Regional of the 2026 NCAA softball tournament! The Stetson Hatters are back in the big dance for the first time since 2014, and they're kicking things off against a powerhouse opponent: the Florida State Seminoles.

Stetson punched its ticket to the tournament by winning the ASUN championship on May 9, marking the program's sixth title in history. The very next day, during the NCAA selection show, the Hatters learned their destination: Tallahassee. They'll join Florida State, UCF, and Jacksonville State in a competitive double-elimination regional.

The first-round matchup is set for noon on May 15 at the Seminoles' home field, with the game airing live on ESPNU. It's a classic David vs. Goliath story, but don't count out the Hatters just yet.

Stetson enters the tournament with a strong 36-20 record, having blazed through the ASUN bracket in just three games last week. As the No. 2 seed in the conference, they handled No. 7 North Florida 4-2 on May 7, then took down top-seeded Central Arkansas in back-to-back days—8-2 on May 8 and 4-0 on May 9. Their dominance was no fluke; Stetson finished the regular season two games ahead of Central Arkansas in the standings, though the Sugar Bears secured the top seed via RPI ranking.

For fans gearing up for the tournament, this is the kind of underdog story that makes March (or May) Madness so thrilling. Whether you're cheering for the Hatters in your Stetson gear or backing the Seminoles in garnet and gold, this regional promises plenty of drama. Stay tuned for updates, and don't forget to sport your favorite softball apparel as these teams battle for a spot in the next round!