INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. --- The University of Lynchburg returned to the top of the ODAC field hockey ladder this past weekend, claiming the program's first title since 2014 and earning a spot in the NCAA Division III Tournament. The 19-time conference champions learned of their placement in the field on Sunday evening.
The NCAA bracket is comprised of 24 teams set to compete on the national stage. Sixteen teams will be competing in eight first-round matchups, with another eight teams receiving byes into the round of 16. First round winners will square off with one of those squads over the weekend.
Lynchburg (15-5) is one of 17 teams to punch their tickets via automatic qualification after winning their conference tournaments. The Hornets earned the ODAC's bid after topping Shenandoah University, 7-2, on Saturday. Lynchburg was selected to host in the first round with North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) champion Denison University (18-2) coming to the Hill City on Wednesday, November 7. This is the second straight year that the ODAC and NCAC automatic qualifiers play each other as Washington and Lee University and Denison squared off in the opening round in 2017.
The winner of Hornets-Big Red matchup travels to unbeaten Rowan University (20-0) in the second round.
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In addition to 17 automatic entries, the NCAA field includes a pair of "Pool C" bids as true indepents or those schools that play in a conference that does not qualify for an AQ. The remaining five came from "Pool C" as at-large selections.
The first three rounds of the tournament will be hosted at various campuses across the country. Once the final four teams are determined, they'll make the trip to Manheim, Pa., for a chance at a national title. The semifinals and championship will be held at Spooky Nook Sports Complex on November 17-18.
Game times and ticket information will be announced later this week. For more information, visit the websites of any of the participating schools. You can also visit the ODAC at www.odaconline.com. as well as www.ncaa.com Don't forget to become a fan of the ODAC on Facebook and follow @odacathletics on Twitter.