Omaha Softball, the three-time defending Summit League champions, will begin a seven-game homestand by hosting North Dakota State at Connie Claussen Field starting Friday, March 19. The Mavericks, who currently hold a 17-7 record, are set to play the Bison in a three-game series with games scheduled for 2 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday and at noon on Sunday.
This season marks a change in the Summit League’s format for conference series, with teams now playing three games over three days instead of the previous doubleheader and single game structure. The first 250 fans attending Friday’s home opener will receive a replica 2025 Summit League championship ring. Before the game, Omaha will unveil three banners recognizing their recent achievements: regular-season and tournament championships as well as their third consecutive NCAA tournament appearance.
Omaha has been ranked in each of the first six D1Softball.com Mid-Major rankings this season, reaching as high as No. 1—the highest ranking in program history. After opening the season with an 11-0 run, which is their best start at the Division I level and third-best overall since joining collegiate softball, Omaha received votes in the NFCA Coaches Poll for only the sixth time in its Division I history.
The Mavericks’ roster features strong local representation; twelve of twenty-two players are from Nebraska or nearby states, with eight coming from the Omaha Metro area and seventeen from across the Midwest. Sammy Schmidt was named Kwik Star Summit League Peak Performer of the Week after going six-for-ten during a recent four-game stretch that included sweeping Utah Tech and splitting with BYU. Schmidt also pitched a five-inning no-hitter against BYU and leads Omaha with a .417 batting average.
Omaha Softball has recorded two no-hitters or perfect games this season—its sixth and seventh since 2000—with pitcher Groff participating in four such milestone games during her two seasons with the team. Historically, Omaha leads North Dakota State in their all-time series dating back to May 1978 and has won seven straight matchups against them since last year’s Summit League tournament.
Looking ahead, Omaha will host crosstown rival Creighton on Wednesday, March 25 at Aksarben Stadium.
