TAYLORSVILLE, Utah (May 20, 2019) - The No. 6 Salt Lake Community College softball program has experienced many comfortable moments at the Canyons Softball Complex in St. George but they've never left feeling totally satisfied.

Yes, the Bruins have won many games and battled many respected foes in all of their years of playing for the NJCAA national title just 290 miles from campus in Utah's Dixie but they've never claimed the national title. Salt Lake is hoping their luck changes drastically this season as the Bruins will begin their quest for the crown on Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. as the No. 5 seed in the tournament, facing off against No. 12 Angelina.

SLCC coach Cyndee Bennett said her team is excited for their first-round opponent.

"From what I can tell, (Angelina) is a good hitting team and their pitcher has a really nice change up," she said. "They will be good competition."

Angelina College, which is located in Lufkin, Texas, enters the 2019 NJCAA tourney with a record of 40-11 and 20-11 in the Region XIV Conference. The Roadrunners fell in the final of the Region XIV tourney to Tyler Junior College. Angelina has a team batting-average of .384 and an ERA of 3.13. 

While beating a nationally-acclaimed program like Angelina is an important first step, preparing to win a national championship in this format requires a holistic approach. For instance, teams have to play at least four games over four days, requiring a precise mixture of rest and preparation. The Bruins, having performed on the national stage many times, have a good formula in many different areas. When it comes to nutrition, the team eats a big pregame meal and has fruit during the games for consistent energy.

Bennett said preparing the team is a critical step in championship contention.

"Managing our team and pitching staff is going to be the key; that is what I am focused on the most," she said. "(Assistant coach Tara Bendt) and I know what it takes to go deep into the tournament and we are going to rely heavily on that knowledge."

The winner of Wednesday's opener will advance to play the winner of a matchup between Tyler Junior College and Indian Hills in the second round on Thursday at 2:30 p.m. The loser will be forced to play at least two games a day for the rest of the way, with two elimination games on Thursday. 

There are many different skills needed to win a national championship and Bennett believes her program understands them.

"We have been so close (over the years)," she said. "I think winning has a lot to do with sports psychology, team chemistry, defense, and managing the pitching staff."