Northwestern's softball team found out at the last minute Sunday night that they are headed to the NCAA tournament after receiving an at-large bid.

            The Wildcats ended the regular season on a six-game winning streak, no doubt propelling them to their at-large bid. NU also won eight of their last nine games to finish 27-27. By finishing at .500, the Wildcats got the "bare minimum" of wins to get invited into the tournament.

            What else helped the Wildcats? Having the country's No. 1 ranked nonconference strength of schedule.

            The Wildcats return to the tournament after a two-year absense. NU had made seven consecutive NCAA tournament appearances from 2003-09 and advanced to the women's College World Series twice.