For the second consecutive year, Columbus hosted the Women’s Softball 

NAIA World Series, witnessing the crowning of a new champion. In 2022, 

the #2 Seed, Oklahoma City, secured victory by defeating the #1 seed, 

Mobile, with a score of 2-1. Interestingly, last year’s top 3 seeds, including 

#3 seed Freed-Hardeman University, failed to qualify for the NAIA World 

Series. The National Tournament took place at the South Commons 

Softball Complex from May 25 to May 31, 2023, and was organized by the 

Columbus Sports Council.

Southern Oregon claimed their first NAIA World Series title by dominat- ing Oregon Tech in the Championship Game with a resounding 11-0 victory in just 5 innings. The Raiders, seeded #4, showcased their dominance 

throughout the tournament, outscoring opponents 35-2 and finishing with 

an undefeated 4-0 record. Their regular season record stood at an impressive 50-12.

The double elimination tournament featured 10 NAIA schools and 

commenced on Thursday, May 25, with Southern Oregon defeating 

Georgia Gwinnett, the only representative from Georgia, by a score of 

5-1. Although Georgia Gwinnett managed to rally and win two elimination 

games, their season ultimately concluded with a 6-0 loss to Marion (Indi- ana). The overall #1 seed, Oregon Tech, experienced defeat at the hands 

of Southern Oregon in the winner’s bracket’s third round but fought back 

to win 3 games in the loser’s bracket, setting up a championship rematch 

against their in-state rival, Southern Oregon.

Columbus had previously hosted the NAIA Women’s Softball World Series in 2013 and 2014, making it fitting that the city, known as the home of 

the Championship Game where the United States Women’s Softball Team 

won the Gold Medal in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, would host the event 

once again. With the guidance of the Columbus Sports Council, the South 

Commons Softball Complex will continue to host future events, including 

the GHSA High School Softball State Championship.