MELBOURNE, FL - Head coach Justin Maullin and the Lenoir-Rhyne women's soccer team is just one day away from their national quarterfinal matchup at Florida Tech on Saturday at 3:00 p.m.

The Bears, who entered the tournament as the No. 6 seed in the Southeast Region, upset heavily favored Columbus State (1-0) and North Georgia (1-0) before defeating fellow upstart Lander 1-0 in the Southeast Regional Championship on Sunday. Florida Tech (14-3-6) won their region by defeating Embry Riddle (2-0), West Florida (2-1), and Nova Southeastern (1-0). This marks the fourth national quarterfinal appearance for both teams, and also the fourth time they will face each other in this game. 

The Bears have been led this season by Katie Durham's 25 points (9g, 7a), and Lucia Hidalgo's 21 points (9g, 3a). Riley Miller has been fantastic in goal, posting 11 shutouts on the season and becoming the first Bear goalie to record three shutouts in a single NCAA postseason. Coach Maullin is the fifth Lenoir-Rhyne head coach to record an NCAA tournament victory and the fourth to reach the national quarterfinals. 

Florida Tech has a balanced roster, with five individuals posting 10 points or more. Senior Lauren Wood leads the way in points with 20 (6g, 8), while the team goals leader Izzie Bromage (7g, 1a) ranks second with 15 points. Senior goalkeeper Kaitlin Sinkler has posted 27 wins and 14 shutouts during her two seasons as a full time starter. Head coach Katy Freels is in her second year with the program and was named the SSC Coach of the Year during her inaugural season. 

The winner of tomorrow's game will travel to Colorado Springs, Colorado, to take part in the NCAA semi-finals on Thursday, December 11th. Lenoir-Rhyne has made it to the national semi-finals once before, during their 2021 Cinderella run that saw them advance three times via PK's. 

A pre-game tailgate will take place at 1:00 p.m. at Rick Stottler Field. Light appetizers and water will be provided. Entrance into the game is $11 for adults and $8 for children 3-12, seniors 55+, and students with ID. Those tickets can be purchased HERE.