The Rock Valley College softball team has punched its ticket to the 2024 NJCAA DII Softball National Tournament for the second time at the NJCAA D2 level while eclipsing the "30 win" mark for the 12th year in a row. The Golden Eagles won the Region 4 and Midwest District A Championship on Saturday night over the third seed Kankakee Cavaliers securing its eleventh straight trip to the NJCAA National Tournament and second trip as a division 2 program in Spartanburg, SC.

It would take two games for the Golden Eagles to secure their spot in the 20 team tournament in Spartanburg. RVC defeated Madison College in game one of the day in 14 innings, 4-3. RVC was led by Grace McClain, Faith McClain and Briella Sendele with 2 hits and also sophomore Samantha Tourtillott with 3 hits and all of Rock Valley's RBI's including the 14^th inning walk off double. Natalie Lower would get the win in the circle going all 14 innings with 9 strikeouts.

In game two the Golden Eagles would establish their dominance early in the game, defeating Kankakee 7-2. The Golden Eagles were led by Molly Kable's 5 RBI's on the day. Alison Hassett would get the win in the circle pitching 7 innings with 7 strikeouts.

"We were once a 3-10 team that played a challenging early schedule. I told them they would look back at this moment and understand why we challenged them. In this program we focus on the process and playing our best softball in the month of May, and it's not how you start but how you finish." Stated Coach Darin Monroe

The Golden Eagles carry a 31-13 record into the National Tournament. They now await to see who they will play in their first game at the National Tournament while seeking a historic ninth national championship for softball. "To say I am proud of this team is an understatement. But we are not done yet." Stated Monroe

Briella Sendele, Alison Hassett, Chloe Wamboldt, and Natalie Lower (MVP) were all named to the NJCAA DII Region 4 District A All-Tournament Team. While Darin Monroe was named Region 4 Coaches of the Year.
 
NJCAA Selection show is on Tuesday May 14^th at 11:00am CT on the NJCAA Network.

To follow the live action from Tyger River Park in Spartanburg, SC for brackets updates go to NJCAA DII Softball Bracket.