JACKSON, Tenn. – The NCAA Division II Women’s Soccer National Championship bracket was released Monday night and Union University was named among the participants. Union women’s soccer earned a 4-seed in the South Region bracket (reaction). It marks the first NCAA National Championship appearance since the program became NCAA members in 2012. Union did make two NAIA Region appearances.
Union will open play Friday, November 22 in Pensacola, Florida at 3 p.m. versus 5-seed Nova Southeastern University. Union and Nova Southeastern were schedule to play in Jackson earlier this season, however the match was canceled due to excessive rain from the remnants of Hurricane Helene.
Gulf South Conference foe University of West Florida is the 1-seed and host of the top side of the bracket. West Florida, winners of the GSC regular season and tournament titles, awaits the Union/Nova Southeastern winner November 24 at 3 p.m. Both games to be played in Pensacola.
Union is 10-5-2 on the season and finished 8-2-2 in the GSC. The 10 wins is the most wins for Union since joining the GSC and is three wins shy of 13 wins accomplished twice during the NAIA years. Union also earned the 3-seed in the GSC Tournament, its highest seed in the three years of making the tournament. Union also posted firsts with its first GSC Tournament win and first trip to the GSC Semifinals.
Union head coach Josh Alford, in his third season at Union,said, “It has been an incredible season filled with milestones and firsts for our program. We are thrilled to be heading to to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in program history, an achievement that truly reflects the dedication and hard work of all the players. The sacrifices they have made and their relentless effort have been nothing short of outstanding. I also want to acknowledge the amazing support from our coaching staff including assistant coaches Mercedes Padillia and Chris Baker, whose contributions have been key to the success of these young women. I am grateful for this journey and thankful to God for all that we have accomplished so far. We are excited for what is ahead and hpe to keep pushing for even greater success.”
