Can the tiebreaker procedure start in the 7th inning?

In NCAA softball, the tiebreaker procedure cannot start in the 7th inning. The tiebreaker, which involves placing a runner on second base at the beginning of each half-inning, is specifically designed to be implemented in extra innings. This rule is intended to expedite the game and encourage teams to score in situations where the game remains tied after the regulation 7 innings. Therefore, the tiebreaker is a strategic option available only after the completion of the 7th inning when extra innings are required to determine a winner. This allows for a structured approach to resolving ties in a timely manner, maintaining the flow of the game.