WORCESTER — There's something special brewing at Assumption University this spring, and it's got a distinctly local flavor. The Greyhounds softball team just punched their ticket to the NCAA Division 2 Tournament in dramatic fashion, and they're bringing a whole lot of Central Mass. pride with them.

Last weekend, Assumption made its third Northeast-10 Conference championship series appearance in four years. After coming up short in 2023 and 2025, the Greyhounds were determined to rewrite the script. And boy, did they ever.

Trailing Southern New Hampshire 4-0 heading into the bottom of the seventh inning, things looked bleak. But this team doesn't quit. "The energy was so high," said senior Kya Birtz of Leicester. "I had a good feeling we were going to do it." That feeling proved prophetic as the Greyhounds erupted for six runs, capped by senior Maddy Bland's walk-off three-run homer to capture the NE-10 title for the first time since 2012.

"We've been so close every year," added junior Bianca Vincequere of Millbury. "To be able to take it this year with this super special group of girls was a surreal moment."

The 6-4 victory earned Assumption (30-25) an automatic berth in the NCAA Tournament, making them a record ninth Greyhounds team to qualify for nationals this year. They'll face Caldwell University (29-19) in a first-round matchup at 4:30 p.m. on May 14 at Franklin Pierce.

Here's where the story gets even more interesting. Assumption's fourth-year coach, Stacey Mayer, happens to be the sister of Caldwell's head coach, Lindsay. Their father, Mark, serves as an assistant for the Greyhounds. Caldwell beat Assumption 1-0 during the regular season, so there's plenty of bragging rights on the line. "It's always a fun time," Mayer said. "We're used to it because we played against each other in college, but now coaching against each other definitely means a lot."

Mayer's personal story adds another layer of inspiration. Her daughter was born on April 17, and she was back at practice just six days later. After the NE-10 final victory, she celebrated Mother's Day holding the championship trophy in one arm and her newborn in the other — a moment that perfectly captures the balance of family and sport.

The local connection runs deep. Birtz and Vincequere are part of a fantastic Central Mass. foursome that's been instrumental in the team's success. Senior Kaitlyn Cahill of Grafton and freshman Bella Mara of Worcester and St. Paul rank second and third on the team in batting average, proving that homegrown talent is driving this championship run.

With the NCAA Tournament ahead, the Greyhounds have shown they thrive under pressure. If the NE-10 final was any indication, this team is ready for whatever comes next.