Wake Forest Athletics
No. 2 Deacons Host American in NCAA Opening Round
11/11/2008 12:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
Nov. 11, 2008
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - The Wake Forest field hockey team (19-3) will make its 10th consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance on Saturday, November 15, hosting American (13-7) in the first round at 11:30 a.m. The winner will face either Virginia (13-8) or James Madison (18-2) on Sunday, November 16 to clinch a spot in the Final Four.
Wake Forest has faced American seven times since 1992 and the Deacons hold a 4-3 advantage overall. The teams last met in the first round of the 2006 NCAA Tournament in Winston-Salem. Wake Forest took the win en route to the championship match where Maryland edged the Deacons for the tournament title.
"We are so glad to be playing home. We've been on the road for a while now," Wake Forest head coach Jennifer Averill said. "We are bringing in three incredibly talented teams, it's great to at least not have to worry about the logistics of traveling."
Wake Forest last played at its home site of Kentner Stadium on October 19. The home appearance will end a six-match road swing for the Deacons.
The tournament fields the top 16 teams from across the country. Following the opening two rounds at various campus sites, the University of Louisville will host the Final Four on November 21 and 23 in Louisville, Ky.
Tickets for the first and second rounds at Kentner Stadium will be $5 for adults, $3 for youth per session. Saturday's session includes both matches.
"In a situation like this you really want to feel at home," Averill said. "We're hopeful that both the campus and Winston-Salem communities will embrace this as an opportunity to see field hockey at its highest level. The fan support makes such a difference."
For complete tournament information please visit the WFU Tournament Central Page.
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