The Northwestern softball team is in the midst of a magical season. Finishing the regular season 40–10, the Wildcats earned top 20 national rankings by all major outlets. Last weekend Northwestern played host to one of eight regional rounds in the playoffs for the college softball championship.

Coach Kate Drohan

After winning the first game on a chilly Friday, the Wildcats waited through a lengthy rain delay but got a big win Saturday on a cold and damp evening. Sunday’s game seemed a mere formality for the Wildcats.

Expecting a big crowd on the beautiful day, we arrived early for the game. I caught up with NU legend Tammy Williams, an old friend. With a stated capacity of 1,000, the stadium was packed well beyond that number as hundreds of fans stood, getting looks from every possible location.

Tammy Williams

After Northwestern won 10–2, the players gave Coach Kate Drohan the Gatorade dousing before joining family and friends to celebrate the win. Everyone lingered, wanting to savor this moment.

One of 16 remaining teams, Northwestern heads to Tempe to face highly touted Arizona State next weekend as they hope to advance in the playoffs. It’ll be a challenge for the Wildcats but one they can meet. Of course, I am biased, but this team is well-balanced and hot. That’s a dangerous combination.

Photo credit: Northwestern University Athletics.

The weather hasn’t been good for most of the season, but Sunday was perfect. The rest of the playoffs are played in warm-weather areas. I hope the Wildcats get even hotter.

— John Wroblewski, online writer

Rachel Lewis

Danielle Williams