TUCSON, Ariz. -- For the 23rd time in program history, the Arizona Wildcats will begin their postseason quest at home, as Hillenbrand Stadium has been selected to host the initial round of the NCAA Softball Championship. Arizona will host an NCAA Softball Championships Regional Friday through Sunday, May 18-20, at Rita Hillenbrand Memorial Stadium. Mississippi State, North Dakota State and St. Francis (PA) will come to Tucson for the three-day event.

Mississippi State and North Dakota State will play at 6 p.m. MST on ESPN 2 on Friday. Arizona and Saint Francis (PA) meet at 8:30 p.m. on ESPN3 in the nightcap. Friday's winners will play at 2 p.m. on Saturday while Friday's losers will play at 4:30 p.m. in an elimination game. The loser of game 3 and the winner of game 4 will play at 7 p.m. on Saturday. 

Sunday's regional championship will begin at 4 p.m. with the if-necessary second game set to begin at 6:30 p.m.

The selection marks the 32nd consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance for Arizona, the longest active streak in the country and the longest in the sport's history. Arizona's streak of 32 consecutive NCAA Regional appearances dates back to 1987, head coach Mike Candrea's second year in Tucson. Under Candrea, the Wildcats have won 28 regional titles and eight national championships.

Arizona concluded the regular season 40-14 overall and 13-11 in the Pac-12, good for a fifth-place finish in the league; UA is one of five Pac-12 teams hosting regionals this week. Seven Wildcats were named all-Pac-12, including Jessie Harper, Taylor McQuillin and Alyssa Palomino, who all received first-team recognition.

Softball season ticket holders will have a window to purchase tickets online through Monday, May 14 at noon. Season ticket holders will also be able to call the McKale Ticket Office at (520) 621-CATS on Monday from 9 a.m. to noon to purchase tickets. Wildcat Club and A-Club members, who are not softball season ticket holders, will have a small window to purchase tickets between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Monday. Remaining tickets will go on sale to the public at 6 p.m. For more information, click HERE.

For further information, follow the team's official Twitter account (@ArizonaSoftball).