The Northern Iowa softball team is seeded second in this week’s Missouri Valley softball Tournament in Bloomington-Normal, Illinois. The Panthers open on Thursday afternoon against the winner of Wednesday’s game between Drake and Evansville. The Panthers battled injuries to finish the regular season with a record of 31-16.

That’s Panther coach Ryan Jacobs who feels the tough schedule will benefit his team in the tournament.

It will take three wins in three days to win the tournament and lock up a spot in the NCAA Tournament.