All season the ONU Men's Soccer team has had high hopes of reaching the NCAA Tournament. To get into the NCAA tournament, a team either has to win their conference tournament or receive an at-large bid from the NCAA Selection Committee. It is obviously best to win a conference tournament to get in, so teams don't have to rely on a committee to select them in but that is easier said than done.
Last week, the Polar Bears competed in the OAC tournament to try and earn a conference tournament championship and a trip to the NCAA Tournament. Unfortunately, after a first round bye sending them straight to the semi-finals, they lost their first match of the tournament to Wilmington. This loss was very disappointing for ONU as it was their first defeat since September 4th and it could potentially have been the end to their season entirely. After the loss, there was nothing the ONU team could do but wait for the selection show, that happened this Monday, to see if their season would continue. The anticipation for this event was great as we waited over the weekend to find out if our results throughout the season were going to be enough.
Come Monday at 1:30 p.m. a majority of the ONU soccer team and coaches gathered in their locker room to watch the selection show together. They all sat patiently listening and watching as other teams got put into the NCAA Tournament bracket. After the halfway point Ohio Northern University was still not called, but the team held out hope. Then, finally the announcer said, "heading to Ada, Ohio..." and before he finished the sentence the room lit up with excitement. Not only are the Polar Bears going to participate in the NCAA Tournament, but they are also getting to host the first two rounds of the tournament at Kerscher Field. They did it and they earned it!
Go Bears!!
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