Monday, October 30, 2006

TUSCULUM TO PLAY AASU IN NCAA WOMEN'S SOCCER TOURNAMENT

INDIANAPOLIS --- For a second straight year, the Tusculum College women's soccer team has punched its ticket for the NCAA Division II Tournament. The Pioneers (12-2-3) will face Armstrong Atlantic State University this Friday in the opening round of the Southeast Regional, hosted by Carson-Newman College in Jefferson City, Tenn. The time of the match has yet to be determined.

Also joining Tusculum and AASU (18-3-0) in the four-team Southeast Region are host Carson-Newman (13-1-1) and Columbus State University (18-3-0).

When Tusculum and Armstrong Atlantic meet, it will mark the second time the two teams have squared off this season. Tusculum posted a 1-0 decision over the Pirates on Oct. 9 in Greeneville.

The winner of the TC/AASU match will face either Carson-Newman or Columbus State on Sunday in the Southeast Region Championship.

Tusculum is a combined 3-0 against the three teams in this year's Regional. Tusculum won at Carson-Newman 3-2 on Sept. 29. TC also recorded a 3-0 home victory over Columbus State in the Pioneers' regular-season finale on Oct. 21.

For Tusculum, this marks its third postseason trip in the last four years. Tusculum made its first NCAA appearance in 2003 as the Pioneers advanced to the region final before falling to eventual national champion Kennesaw State University. Last season, Tusculum earned the top seed in the Southeast, but lost 2-0 in the opening round against Catawba College.

Tusculum College, located in Greeneville, Tenn., is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church, USA and is a NCAA Division II member of the South Atlantic Conference, which is comprised of nine colleges and universities in Tennessee, North Carolina and South Carolina.

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