Here’s an interesting item I recently saw on the Ultimate College Softball discussion boards (I’ve cleaned up a few typos):

On Wednesday, May 17th from 6 pm to 8 pm CST, "The Road to the Women's College World Series" debuts on the internet. It's an idea put together by Nic Hoch, the Sports Director for WVUA-FM, 90.7 (the voice of Alabama softball). This is an idea that's long overdue, kind of like the road to the final four for basketball. There are going to be special guests and segments for callers to ask questions, make predictions, etc. This is the first year and I really hope this catches on as the game of softball continues to expand.

There are a couple of ways to access the show, but the easiest is as follows. The direct link to the web stream is [here]. Again, the show will air May 17th at 6:00 CST to 8:00 CST. Anyone that clicks on this link will be taken to an audio stream, most likely through Windows Media Player.

"If it goes over well and we get a good response, not only will it be a weekly program next spring, but we will also host a Super Regionals edition and perhaps a World Series edition as well," says Nic. So you the fans are in control. You want to hear more about softball, listen in and support an idea [whose] time has arrived.

WVUA has a feature called “The Student Section,” which appears to be the impetus for the softball show. Between this and the “Bracketology” postings by Northwestern University’s WNUR (see link on the right-hand side of the page), student radio really seems to be an important force in enhancing the popularity of college softball.