No. 3 Seed WVU Opens NCAA vs. Georgetown
November 10, 2014 07:30 PM | General
 |
|
Nikki Izzo-Brown has led the Mountaineers to 15 straight NCAA Tournament appearances, the nation's eighth-longest active streak.
|
| All-Pro Photography/Dale Sparks Photo |
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The No. 8-ranked and 2014 Big 12 Conference regular-season and tournament champion West Virginia University women’s soccer team earned a No. 3 seed in the 2014 NCAA Tournament and will play host to Georgetown in the opening round on Saturday, Nov. 15, at 4 p.m., at Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium.
The Mountaineers advance to the NCAA Tournament for the 15th straight season, the eighth-longest active streak in the nation. WVU advanced as far as the Elite Eight in 2007.
Today’s seeding is the team’s first since earning a No. 3 seed for the 2010 NCAA Tournament. The Mountaineers advanced to the NCAA Round of 16 that year and fell, 4-0, at Boston College on Nov. 19, 2010.
“As excited as we were to win the Big 12 Championship, I think this team is ready to make a run in the NCAA Tournament,” said Mountaineer coach Nikki Izzo-Brown. “We’re going to put the Big 12 (title) on a shelf and put all our energy toward getting ready for the NCAA Tournament. We’re absolutely excited.”
The Mountaineers are serving as one of 32 host schools for the first round of the national tournament – the third season under this format. The winner will advance to play the winner of Virginia Tech – Dayton. The sites will be on-campus at the highest remaining seeds in the second- and third-round portion of the bracket on Nov. 21 and 23.
WVU has hosted the NCAA Tournament in eight previous seasons (2001, 2002, 2003, 2007, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013).
Saturday’s meeting is the second of the season between the Mountaineers (16-2-3, 7-0-1) and the Hoyas (11-4-5, 6-1-2 Big East). The squads played to a 1-1 double-overtime draw in Morgantown on Sept. 12. Sophomore Kadeisha Buchanan, the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, negated a one-goal deficit with her third score of the season in the 27th minute. Junior Hannah Steadman made two saves, while GU’s Emma Newins turned away 12 Mountaineer shots, tied for the most saves by an opposing goalie this season.
The draw was the first tie between the former Big East Conference foes. WVU owns a 14-3-1 series advantage.
“Dave (Nolan) is a good friend of mine, and I have a ton of respect for Georgetown,” said Izzo-Brown. “They came in here and tied us, and we know they’re a tough opponent. We’re going to prepare and get ready for that battle. We know what’s at stake and know that Georgetown is not an easy first-round game.”
Georgetown earned an at-large bid following a 2-0 defeat to top-seeded and No. 13-ranked DePaul at the Big East Conference Championship yesterday.
The Mountaineers ride a program-record 18-match unbeaten streak into the NCAA Tournament. WVU secured its fifth Big 12 title in three seasons with a 1-0 victory over Oklahoma yesterday at the 2014 Big 12 Soccer Championship. Senior Kate Schwindel scored the game-winner in the 13th minute, her seventh goal of the season, and Steadman matched a career high with six saves.
Ticket prices are $7 for adults and $5 for youth and senior citizens. Admission is free for West Virginia University students with a valid student ID. Groups of 10 or more can purchase tickets in advance for $2 through the Mountaineer Ticket Office in the WVU Coliseum or by calling 1-800-WVU GAME.
NCAA quarterfinal matches will be played the weekend of Nov. 28-29. The 33rd annual NCAA Women’s College Cup will be played Dec. 5 and Dec. 7, at FAU Stadium in Boca Raton, Florida.
Andrew Powdrell | April 15
Thursday, April 16
Coach Pat Kirkland | April 15
Thursday, April 16
Coach Rich Rodriguez | April 15
Thursday, April 16
Alumni Series | Louisa Morgan Hoogduin
Wednesday, April 15
