DAHLONEGA | A large crowd of University of North Georgia softball faithful piled into Haines & Carolyn Hill Stadium early Wednesday morning to welcome back the National Champion UNG softball team.

The team flight home from Oklahoma City was delayed due to severe weather, but that did not deter the fans as over 200 people were on hand at nearly 1:00 a.m. in the morning to welcome back the official travel party.

Atlanta's Fox5 News was on hand at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and interviewed head coach Mike Davenport in the baggage claim area.  The team's story was promoted on both of the station's sports segments.

Two UNG Police cars escorted the Daniel's Charter carrying the team at the Lumpkin County line and the blue light escort was doubled when the local Sheriff's Office joined in the parade. 

The bus pulled into Haines & Carolyn Hill Stadium at 12:40 a.m. to a crowd of well-wishers lining the stadium entrance.

The scoreboard was set up to feature the line score from the 5-0 championship win over Dixie State and the team's playlist, beginning with We Are The Champions, was belted over the public address system as the team walked through the tunnel of fans.

Coach Davenport and senior Taylor Anne Merritt thanked the fans for their support throughout the championship journey before the crowd took pictures with the team and trophy.