Softball

MIAC Softball Playoff field set

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. – For the first time in conference history, the MIAC Softball Playoffs will run through St. Joseph.
 
Saint Benedict (21-1) will be the No. 1 seed and the championship site host after securing the program's third regular-season MIAC title and the Bennies' first-ever outright MIAC crown. The Bennies and No. 2 seed Saint Mary's (20-2) will have byes to the semifinal round, where Saint Benedict will host both the semifinals and the championship game next Saturday, May 9, in St. Joseph.
 
| 2026 MIAC Softball Playoffs |
 
The six-team, single-elimination conference tournament will officially begin on Thursday, May 7, with a pair of quarterfinal contests. No. 3 St. Olaf (17-5) will welcome No. 6 Carleton (12-10) across town in Northfield, while No. 4 Gustavus (13-9) will host No. 5 St. Catherine (12-10) in St. Peter. Both games are tentatively scheduled for 4:30 p.m. starts.

A four-way tie for fifth place in the conference standings, along with the final two spots in the MIAC Playoffs, was decided on record among tied teams, followed by record against teams in order of the final regular-season standings. The Wildcats and Knights separated themselves from the tie with four wins apiece in games among the four 12-10 teams. St. Catherine then secured the higher seed over Carleton by virtue of a doubleheader sweep against the Knights on April 11.

The winners of the two quarterfinal games will advance to the semifinals in St. Joseph on Saturday. The top-seeded Bennies will take on the winner of the No. 4 vs. No. 5 game at 11:00 a.m., while No. 2 Saint Mary's will take on the winner of the No. 3 vs. No. 6 game at 1:30 p.m. The two victors will then square off at 4:00 p.m. in the 2026 MIAC Softball Playoff championship game. The winner will receive the conference's automatic bid to the 2026 NCAA Division III Softball Tournament.
PURCHASE GAME TICKETS
All tickets for the 2026 MIAC Softball Playoffs will be sold and purchased online via HomeTown Ticketing. There will not be cash sales at any venue; however, spectators can purchase tickets using a mobile device, including while at the venue. Tickets for the quarterfinal contests are on sale now; semifinal and championship game tickets will go on sale Thursday night. General admission adult tickets are $12 (plus HTT service charge). Student (with ID) tickets are $3 (plus HTT service charge), and children ages five and under are admitted free.
PAY-PER-VIEW
The 2026 MIAC Softball Playoffs will be streamed live on the MIAC Sports Network in a pay-per-view format. Fans who are unable to attend the tournament may purchase a $12 "championship pass" to stream the entire MIAC Softball Playoffs live. On-demand access to playoff games will be available after the NCAA Tournament concludes.
 
The MIAC Sports Network Help Page provides guidance and links to help fans navigate the streaming platform. Hudl Customer Support is also available by email or 24/7 chat to assist with any issues.
CHAMPIONSHIP APPAREL
Official playoff and championship apparel is available for online purchase via the MIAC Shop powered by UNRestricted MKTG. The online MIAC Shop features officially licensed short-sleeve t-shirts, long-sleeves, and hooded sweatshirts to commemorate the 2026 playoff tournament. Team champion apparel will be added and available for purchase shortly after the championship game.
PLAYOFF HQ
The MIAC has a homepage dedicated to the 2026 MIAC Softball Playoffs, containing schedules, links, and information on each of the six teams in the field. Throughout the tournament, the page will be updated with scores, stats, and updated schedules.
2026 MIAC SOFTBALL PLAYOFF SCHEDULE
Thursday, May 7, 2026
Game 1: No. 5 St. Catherine at No. 4 Gustavus | 4:30 PM | Tickets | PPV Stream |
Game 2: No. 6 Carleton at No. 3 St. Olaf | 4:30 PM |  Tickets | PPV Stream |
 
Saturday, May 9, 2026
Game 3: Winner Game 1 at No. 1 Saint Benedict | 11:00 AM |  Tickets | PPV Stream |
Game 4: Winner Game 2 vs. No. 2 Saint Mary's | 1:30 PM* |  Tickets | PPV Stream |
Game 5: Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 4 | 4:00 PM* |  Tickets | PPV Stream |
*Games 3-5 played at the field of the No. 1 seed