The softball team will open up regional play in the national tournament at 4 p.m. Thursday in Indianola, Iowa. St. Thomas (37-6) will face off against host school Simpson College (31-10).

The regional tournament is double-elimination and also features Central College, Linfield College, University of Chicago, Fontbonne University, Illinois Wesleyan University, and Claremont-Mudd Scripps.

“We are one step closer to our goal, but we have a lot of work to do still,” senior Alison Wright said. “We have always had a region filled with many great teams and this year is no different.”

The Tommies take a 17-game win streak, including three wins in the MIAC playoffs last weekend, into Thursday’s matchup. The Storm received an at-large bid into the tournament field after Luther College won the Iowa Conference championship.

“It will take hard work and concentration,” Wright said. “No team is going to be easy, so we just have to stay concentrated and take it one game at a time.”

Jordan Osterman can be reached at jrosterman@stthomas.edu.