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Gaston College's softball team meets after one of its 60 victories earlier this season.
Gaston College's softball team meets after one of its 60 victories earlier this season.
Posted: May 19, 2026

Gaston College gets No. 14 seed in 2026 NJCAA World Series

Gaston College will meet Wabash Valley, Ill., in its opening game of the National Junior College Athletic Association softball World Series at Choccolocco Park in Oxford, Ala., at 1:15 Central Time on Monday.

The Rhinos are the No. 14 seed in the 20-team tournament and enter with a 60-4 record, Region 10 and Mid-Atlantic District titles and a 23-game winning streak.

Wabash Valley is the No. 19 seed and the Warriors enter with a 42-18 record and Region 24 and Midwest District titles.

"Obviously, anybody you play is going to be tough," said Gaston College coach Michael Steuerwald, whose team was ranked No. 16 in the final NJCAA poll. "Where we're seeded is going to be a tough road because if we're fortunate enough to win, we have to turn around and play Northeast Alabama, who is really good and they'll have a bye."

Northeast Alabama (51-4) is the No. 3 seed and also the No. 3-ranked team in the final NJCAA poll.

The winner of Monday's Gaston College-Wabash Valley contest faces Northeast Alabama at 1:15 Central Time on Tuesday. The loser of Monday's game plays an elimination contest at 3:30 Central Time on Tuesday.

Gaston College will close out the week with practice sessions on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings at Gastonia's CaroMont Health Park before traveling to Alabama on Saturday.

On Sunday, the Rhinos have a morning practice session, then take a lap around in the team bus at the Talladega Superspeedway before a pre-tournament banquet at the spacious NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series Garage.

"We're excited to be back," said Steuerwald, whose program is making its third World Series appearance in four years. "For us, it doesn't matter who we play. If we take care of business, we'll have one game per day.
"So we've got to get ready for Monday and continue to roll."

Fundraising efforts are underway to help the team cover the estimated $30,000 cost of participating in this postseason tournament. To donate, visit gastoncollegefoundation.org/worldseries/.