KANSAS CITY, Mo. - After making it to the Sun Conference Tournament and going 11-4 in the last 15 games of the year, the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) invited the USCB baseball team to its postseason tournament as an at-large selection. The opening round for USCB will be held in Winter Haven, Fla. (Lakeland Bracket) and runs from May 17-20 at the Chain O' Lakes Complex.

Earning its first NAIA Tournament appearance since 2016, the Sand Sharks will commence their second postseason run of 2021 on May 17 as the four seed and will face off with fifth-seeded Fisher (Mass.). First pitch time is set for 11 a.m. 

Also joining USCB and Fisher in the Lakeland Bracket will be the No. 1 seed - Southeastern Fire. USCB is only one of two teams (St. Thomas) to defeat the Fire twice in 2021. Playing in the No. 2/3 matchup is Middle Georgia State and Bryan. That contest will be held at the conclusion of the USCB's and Fisher's game on May 17. Similar to the Sun Conference Tournament, the format for the opening round bracket is double elimination. For the complete schedule, click HERE. 

The last time USCB went to NAIA opening round, it was held in Savannah, Ga., and the Sand Sharks played three games in the postseason outing. 

Fisher finished the 2021 campaign with a 31-20 record. The Falcons, like USCB, also made it to their respective conference tournament championship, but Fisher was bounced by No. 8 Georgia Gwinnett. 

USCB and Fisher are no strangers on the diamond as well, and the Sand Sharks have dominated the all-time series, 24-2. All 26 of the head-to-head matchups have been played at Richard Gray Stadium, and USCB has won 13 straight over the Falcons. The last time USCB and FC met was in 2018 when the Sand Sharks swept the Falcons. 

Of the five teams in the Lakeland Bracket, USCB has faced two teams in 2021 - Southeastern and Middle Georgia State. In fact, USCB has beaten both teams and have a combined 3-5 record against the two clubs. 

For the official NAIA press release, click HERE.