Bisons off to face Bulldogs in NCAA Tournament

The Lipscomb women’s soccer team and their coaches, family and friends gathered in Allen Arena’s Hall of Fame room today to hear their place in the NCAA Tournament.

Having won the ASUN Tournament just this Sunday, beating North Florida 3-0 to become back-to-back ASUN Champs, the Bisons won an automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament. The Selection Show would determine where that bid placed them, and what team they would play.

Head Coach Kevin O’Brien started off by thanking the team for their perseverance during the season. “You deserve this,” he told the girls. “Wherever we go, it’s a blessing. Let’s hope it’s somewhere fun.”

The team was on the edge of their seats as the television announcer began reading off the brackets. Many players clutched each other’s hands as they waited.

Two teams into one bracket of the Selection Show, the announcer read off Samford, and the team visibly deflated, not expecting to be called in the same set. Mere seconds later, however, they were announced as Mississippi State’s opponents.

Shock flew across their faces, and then the team exploded out of their seats. Cheers filled the Hall of Fame room as the players, coaches and staff hugged each other.

“Best I can recall, the last time Lipscomb played against Mississippi State, we beat them,” said Athletic Director Philip Hutcheson. Many cheers arose at this statement, players laughing and joking as they continued to hug each other.

The first round of the Tournament will take place in November, from the 14-16. Mississippi State will host, and the Bisons will be off to play against the Bulldogs.

“I didn’t expect to be in this bracket, but I’m happy,” said Head Coach Kevin O’Brien. “We’ve played Mississippi State four times, and beaten them three of those four.”