Courtesy of Wichita State Athletics
WICHITA, Kan. - Wichita State softball is bound for Mexico this February to compete in one of the premier tournaments, the 2024 Puerto Vallarta College Challenge, Feb. 14-17.
The Shockers will play four games, three of those against 2023 NCAA Regional teams, at Nancy Almaraz Stadium in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Wichita State opens play against Clemson - a 2023 NCAA Super Regional team - on Feb. 14 at 12 p.m. CT.
Wichita State will then face South Carolina (Feb. 15), Auburn (Feb. 16) and UC Davis (Feb. 17). All games will be streamed on FloSoftball.
"We are excited to make our first trip to Puerto Vallarta," said Wichita State head coach Kristi Bredbenner.
"The Puerto Vallarta Challenge provides our student-athletes a first-class experience and for some of our players and coaches an opportunity to travel outside of the country for the first time. The competition will be high level. We look forward to seeing how the Shockers compete with some great teams early in the season."
Wichita State returns six starters and its entire pitching staff from a season ago, but must replace three-time All-American Sydney McKinney and All-Conference standouts Zoe Jones and Lauren Mills.
The Puerto Vallarta College Challenge began in 2015 and has evolved into one of the premier tournaments designed to launch the softball season. It was the first-ever D-I softball event held outside the United States and has included programs from well-known Power 5 conferences as well as the deep pool of strong mid-major schools — the Mexican Olympic team also played in the tournament in 2020.
Puerto Vallarta remains a safe and easy-to-navigate destination and is excited to welcome back tourists. The area is full of other diversions and entertainment options for fans attending the PV College Challenge. Visit www.pvcollegechallenge.com for more information.
Feb. 14
Noon – Clemson vs. Wichita State
Feb. 15
10 a.m. – UC San Diego vs. Clemson
12:30 p.m. – UC Davis vs. Auburn
3 p.m. – Utah vs. Auburn
6 p.m. – Wichita State vs. South Carolina
8:30 p.m. – Utah vs. South Carolina
Feb. 16
10 a.m. – Mississippi State vs. UC Davis
12:30 p.m. – South Carolina vs. UC Davis
3 p.m. – UC San Diego vs. Mississippi State
6 p.m. – Clemson vs. Utah
8:30 p.m. – Auburn vs. Wichita State
Feb. 17
10 a.m. – South Carolina vs. UC San Diego
12:30 p.m. – UC Davis vs. Wichita State
3 p.m. – Clemson vs. Auburn
6 p.m. – Mississippi State vs. Utah
8:30 p.m. – Mississippi State vs. Clemson
Feb. 18
10 a.m. – UC San Diego vs. Utah
* All Times Central