New Braunfels, Texas – Seedings and matchups for the 2026 American Southwest Conference Softball Championship were announced Monday morning ahead of the tournament, set for May 7–9 in Marshall, Texas. East Texas Baptist University claimed the ASC Regular Season title and the right to host after finishing conference play 11–1. The Tigers are ranked No. 2 in Region X and hold a 34–4 overall record entering postseason play.
This year’s tournament will follow a four-team, double-elimination format.
No. 1 Seed East Texas Baptist (34-4, 11-1 ASC) enters the tournament atop the standings after a strong regular season under head coach Janae Shirley. The Tigers are ranked No. 6 in the NFCA/Gorout Division III Top 25 Coaches Poll and lead the ASC in multiple statistical categories. ETBU is seeking its fourth consecutive conference championship.
No. 2 Seed Hardin-Simmons (20-10 6-6 ASC) finished conference play at .500 to earn the second seed. The Cowgirls will face No. 3 seed Mary Hardin-Baylor in the opening game of the tournament on Thursday, May 7 at 3:00 p.m. This marks Hardin-Simmons’ 15th ASC Tournament appearance as they look to capture their first conference title since back-to-back championships in 2006 and 2007.
No. 3 Seed Mary Hardin-Baylor (20-20, 5-7 ASC) enters the tournament after finishing the regular season with 20 wins. The Cru will meet Hardin-Simmons in the opening round after taking the season series 3-2 during regular season play.
No. 4 Seed Howard Payne (4-30, 2-10 ASC) rounds out the field and will take on top-seeded East Texas Baptist in Thursday’s 6:00 p.m. matchup. The Yellow Jackets are making their 11th appearance in the ASC Softball Championship.
The winner of the ASC Championship will receive the conference’s automatic bid to the NCAA Division III Tournament.
2026 ASC Softball Championship Central
2026 ASC Softball Championship Bracket