INDIANAPOLIS - The NCAA has released its first Division II South Region softball rankings for the 2014 season with West Alabama receiving the 10th spot in the top 10 regional teams.

The Tigers are 24-18 overall and 22-17 in the region.

Four other Gulf South Conference teams also made the initial rankings with Alabama-Huntsville leading in the top spot at 33-6 overall, 29-6 in region. Valdosta State was named as the No. 3 team, followed by North Alabama as No. 4.

UWA's next opponent, West Florida earned the No. 8 seat with an 18-18 record, 15-14 in the region. The Tigers will travel to take on the Argonauts in a three game series, beginning in a doubleheader on Friday at 4 p.m.

Following UAH in second is Tampa, while Rollins follows UNA in fifth. Palm Beach Atlantic and Saint Leo are sixth and seventh respectively, and Nova Southeastern is sitting ninth.

The top eight in the regional rankings make the NCAA tournament, though it is possible for less to qualify if an automatic berth is won by a team outside of the top eight. The automatic berths are granted to the champions of the three conference tournaments in the South Region – the GSC, the Sunshine State Conference, and the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

The top two teams in the region at the conclusion of the regular season will host the four-team regionals. The highest remaining team will host the South Super Regional.