Va. Wesleyan Nabs Remaining Crown of Five Tourney Final Contests

SALEM, Va. --- Cheers and leaps of celebrations rose from the benches and bleachers at four Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) schools this afternoon, signaling a festive conclusion to "Championship Saturday" in ODAC fall sports. 

Washington & Lee University played host to a pair of those contests, although one was scheduled as a could-be clincher than a typical title bout.  The Generals won both contests, claiming the conference volleyball crown with a 3-0 victory over Randolph-Macon College and clinching the football title with a 24-6 win over Emory & Henry College, although one game remains on all ODAC team schedules.

Lynchburg College played its way to a pair of league final matches, winning a Hornet-hosted field hockey championship 3-2 in sudden-death penalty strokes.  In the men's soccer championship hosted by Roanoke College, the Hornets bested Virginia Wesleyan College 1-0.  The Marlins made good on their other title-seeking contest, defeating host Guilford College 2-0 to win the women's soccer crown.

All four tournament winners and W&L's football squad earn automatic bids into their respective national tournaments.  There are also a handful of "at-large" positions to be filled by those across the nation that didn't win conference titles or are independent from a conference.  Region and national rankings, as well as other success-related circumstances, will determine whether any of the ODAC winners will host an NCAA early round.  Men's and women's soccer, field hockey, and volleyball begin national tournament play this week.  The ODAC, along with the City of Salem, hosts the NCAA Division III volleyball tournament November 16-18.  The ODAC and Salem are also the home of the 2006 Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl®.  That is set for December 16.

For more information on each of the conference tournaments, visit the "ODAC Tournament Central" webpage or one of the following school-hosted championship links:

Field Hockey - Hosted by Lynchburg

Men's Soccer - Hosted by Roanoke

Women's Soccer - Hosted by Guilford

Volleyball - Hosted by Washington & Lee