The Missouri Western softball team is fourth in the first Central Region ranking that was released by the NCAA on Wednesday.

The 15th-ranked Griffons are the only MIAA team that is ranked as they are 34-10 and atop the MIAA at 19-3.  Despite what they’ve done in league play, MWSU is behind another league opponent in the regional rankings.  Northwest Missouri State is third as they are 33-9 overall and 17-5 in the MIAA.

Arkansas Tech (38-5) in No. 1 in the Central Region right now, followed by Southern Arkansas (33-6), Northwest and Missouri Western.

The top eight team qualify for the NCAA Tournament as the top two seeds will host two four-team regional tournaments.

Minnesota State (30-11) is fifth in the regional rankings, followed by Central Oklahoma (30-14), Pittsburg State (33-14) and Augustana (28-11).

Missouri Western is back in action Thursday as they host Northwest Missouri State for two non-league games begining at 4:00 p.m.  The games won’t count in the MIAA race, but are very big in the regional rankings.

Both games will be broadcast on ESPN 1550 AM or you can click here to listen.