Bethel draws John Brown (Ark.) in NAIA National Tournament opener
Bethel draws John Brown (Ark.) in NAIA National Tournament opener
OLATHE, Kan. - The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) has released the bracket for the 22nd Annual NAIA Women's Soccer National Championship. The 20-team tournament, hosted by the Olathe Chamber of Commerce and Park University (Mo.), is November 16-22 and will be played at the College Boulevard Activity Center.
In their third straight appearance in the NAIA Women's Soccer National Championships, the Bethel College (Tenn.) Lady Wildcats drew John Brown University (Ark.) in the first round on Wednesday, November 16 at 2:15 pm CST in Olathe, Kansas.
Bethel enters the tournament as the #15 seed, while John Brown is seeded #18. Bethel (13-5-2) is coming off their sixth straight KIAC Championship. John Brown (13-5-2) earned the trip to Nationals after winning the NAIA Region VI tournament over Oklahoma Baptist.
Bethel earned their third consecutive trip to the big show by winning the NAIA Region XII Title. Bethel, the #2 seed, defeated Virginia Intermont 4-1 in the Region Semifinals and knocked off top seed and host Covenant (Ga.) 2-0 in the championship match.
Bethel hopes to use their success from last season in this year's tournament. The Lady Wildcat as the #14 seed last year advanced to the final eight, falling in a shootout to the eventual National Runner-up Concordia (Ore.).
The winner of Wednesday's game will advance to the second round to face #2 seed Graceland University (Iowa) on Thursday afternoon at 2:15 pm CST.
For more information about the 2005 NAIA Women's Soccer National Championships, please visit http://naia.collegesports.com/sports/w-soccer/spec-rel/111005aad.html.