November 6, 2006
Women's Soccer Receives At-Large Bid to NCAA Tournament
Monarchs return to tournament after eleven year absence

FAYETTEVILLE, NC-  During the late 1980s and early 1990s Methodist women's soccer was almost guaranteed a spot in the NCAA Division III tournament.  The Monarchs made appearances in 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1993, 1994, and 1995 advancing to the national championship game in 1995.  The first head coach, Joe Pereira built a powerhouse before taking over at Old Dominion University in 1995.  During the ten seasons prior to this fall, head coaches Phil Stephenson and Bobby Graham worked to return the team to the NCAA tournament. 

When first year head coach Tony Tommasi arrived in August, he acknowledged he wasn't sure what kind of team he would have this season.  Everyone soon realized he had eighteen women prepared to work hard to reach postseason play.  Throughout the 2006 season, the Monarchs have received numerous team and individual accolades, most notably the USA South regular season championship.  However, the team realized that in order to guarantee a spot in the tournament they would have to win the conference tournament.  The Monarchs defeated Peace and Averett before advancing to the championship game, but Christopher Newport would receive the automatic bid after defeating Methodist in a 3-2 shootout.

Down, but not out, Methodist was still hoping for an at-large bid into the NCAA tournament as the team planned on meeting for practice on Monday.  The Monarchs waited patiently for the news before the NCAA released the women's soccer bracket on Monday morning. 

The bracket has been released and Methodist will return to the NCAA tournament as one of 60 teams competing.  The Monarchs will travel to Maryville College in Maryville, TN for first round action on Saturday, November 11 at 7:30 pm.  The winner will face the winner of Washington & Lee and Meredith on Sunday at 6 pm. 

Complete Bracket