WCU Softball Ready For First-Ever National Finals Appearance

By Matt Leon

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- For the first time in program history, the West Chester University softball team has advanced to the NCAA Division II National Finals. The Golden Rams will play Armstong Atlantic State in their first game down in Salem, Virginia, on Thursday.

"We're extremely proud," West Chester head coach Diane Lokey tells KYW Newsradio. "I'm extremely proud of the girls, the team, the program. Couldn't be happier."

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West Chester beat Bloomsburg once and California (PA) twice to advance to the super regional. Then they won two out of three against West Virginia Wesleyan to advance to the national finals.

Lokey says it has taken a true team effort to get to this point.

"We have seven seniors that have been regulars with the program for the last four years," Lokey says. "We don't have one person that we count on. They all pick each other up. They're just very focused and determined."

While this has already been an incredible experience for the squad, Lokey says they also still have work to do.

"I don't want to just be satisfied that they are there," Lokey says. "They belong there, they've won some incredible games, they are a great team. I want them to enjoy the moment, but I also want them to realize that they can do this and they belong there."

West Chester and Armstrong will get underway at noon on Thursday. The national finals are double elimination.

The Division II National Championship Game is set for Monday.

You can follow Matt on Twitter @mattleonkyw.