The Joliet Junior College softball team is NJCAA Division III World Series-bound for the first time in school history.

The Wolves (33-21) won the district tournament May 12-13 and in the process knocked off the No. 1 team in the country. JJC came into the tournament unranked and had to participate in a play-in series on Tuesday, May 9, defeating Harper to advance to the district finals.

"We're extremely proud and excited to be making history at JJC," head coach Emily Marino said. "The Wolves have proven themselves all season long, and this is proof hard work pays off."

JJC opened the double elimination tournament on Friday, May 12 by knocking off No. 1 Caldwell Tech (North Carolina), 4-0. The Wolves then lost to Delta College (Michigan), 9-1.

The Wolves had to win to advance, and they delivered.

On Saturday, May 13, the Wolves once again beat Caldwell Tech 5-4 in nine innings. This put JJC in the championship game. However, JJC still had to beat Delta College twice. The Wolves accomplished the mission with 4-2 and 5-2 victories. "Our final day of the district tournament was an unbelievable day of softball," Marino said. "Beating No. 1 Caldwell Tech earlier in the weekend, we knew what we're capable of. We just had to lock in, dig deep and push through three games Saturday to accomplish our goal."

Eight Wolves softball players also earned All-Region honors at the tournament. Paige Williams, Megan Hrabe, Jada Aguirre, Taylor Marasovich and Savannah Anderson made NJCAA First Team All-Region. Natalie Tatera, Emily Johnske and Kaitlin Jasper were named NJCAA Second Team All-Region. The World Series bracket will be announced Sunday, May 21. The NJCAA Division III Softball World Series will take place May 24-27 at Carrier Park in DeWitt, New York.