Nov. 9, 2009

2009 NCAA Women's Soccer Championship Bracket

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - For the second time in school history and the first time since 1994, the Oregon State women's soccer team will participate in the NCAA Women's Soccer Championship as the Beavers secured an at-large bid to the tournament, the NCAA announced on Monday night.

Oregon State will travel to Columbus, Ohio, to take on No. 11 Ohio State on Friday at a time to be determined. Illinois State will face Florida, the top-seed in the regional and third-seed overall in the Florida State bracket, in Friday's other contest at the Columbus Regional.

"The team deserved it and I could not be happier for them," head coach Linus Rhode. "It's been a long road back to the tournament and I know everyone, especially the seniors, have worked hard to make it happen. It's certainly a special moment for the program."

The team, joined by the Oregon State men's soccer squad, held a selection watch party at the Club Level of Reser Stadium with the room growing tense as ESPN News went through seven of the eight brackets without the Beavers seeing their name on the board.

However, as the final section of the bracket was revealed, Oregon State appeared on the board, setting off a wild celebration as the Beavers will return to the tournament for the first time in 15 years. The moment was especially meaningful for eight Oregon State seniors, who will see their careers continue on the biggest stage of college soccer.

Oregon State, which finished the regular season with a mark of 12-7-1, will take on the host Buckeyes, who finished the regular season with a mark of 14-3-2 and finished second in the Big Ten Conference with a 7-2-1 mark.

The winner of the match between Oregon State and Ohio State will advance to the second round to face the winner of Illinois State (12-6-1) and Florida (15-5-2) on Sunday.