The Iowa softball team will host some familiar foes this weekend in Iowa City for an NCAA regional. It is the first time the Hawks have hosted a regional since 2002 and they will open against 15th ranked Nebraska. The other first round game will pit number-five California against Missouri Valley Conference champion Illinois State.
This is the second year for a new format which has the 16 regional winners moving on to the super regionals next week, and Iowa coach Gayle Blevins says she likes the format because it gives more places a chance to showcase softball.
Good weather would help draw a large crowd to the tournament and after the last couple of weeks the odds are in their favor as she says Iowa city is due for a good weekend of weather. Iowa finished the regular season 39-20.