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By Mike Anderson, NKU Sports Information HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. – Northern Kentucky University’s return to the NCAA Division II Tournament will take place on Friday when the women’s soccer team takes the field against Rockhurst in the first round of the Midwest Regional. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. (Eastern time) in Kenosha, Wis. The winner will advance to take on host Wisconsin-Parkside on Sunday at 1 p.m. The Norse (15-3) will look to avenge their 1-0 loss at the hands of the Hawks (10-5-3) back on Sept. 28. Danielle Boyce notched her first goal of the season in the 72nd minute and Alyssa Miller made three saves to preserve the shutout for the Hawks. NKU’s last trip to the NCAA tournament was in 2005, when the Norse advanced to the second round before being eliminated by Grand Valley State, 2-0. A WORD ABOUT ROCKHURST: The Hawks recorded their first-ever win over the Norse this season, bringing the all-time series to a 4-1 NKU advantage. Six different Rockhurst players were honored as All-Great Lakes Valley Conference performers, including goalkeeper Alyssa Miller, who maintained a league-best .867 save percentage, and forward Lisa Schwarz, who was second in the GLVC with 13 goals. This marks the first trip to the NCAA Tournament in school history. ALL-REGION PERFORMERS: Three NKU players were named to the Daktronics All-Midwest team. Brandi Doss, who is second in the nation in assists per game (0.78), was a first-team selection, while defenders Elise Schmuelling and Amie Noll were named to the second team. TOURNAMENT HISTORY: The Norse are not strangers to NCAA Tournament play, as NKU makes its eighth tournament appearance in the 12-year history of the program. NKU is 12-7 all-time in tournament play, including two trips to the national semifinals (1999 and 2001) and an appearance in the national championship game in 2000. |
