All times are central.
The Central Regional is considered one of the toughest fields. The top seed Rice Owls won the WAC regular-season and tournament crowns. The Owls bring a 45-15 overall record into the Central Regional. In the WAC Tournament in San Diego, California, Rice swept four opponents and the Owls averaged 11.3 runs per game in the tournament. Rice comes into Aggieland having won 14 of their last 15 since the Aggies came from behind to take a 10-9 victory at Olsen Field on April 14.