Ncaa Women's Field Hockey Tournament
The NCAA Women's Field Hockey Tournament is an annual competition organized by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) that crowns the national champion of college field hockey in the United States. The tournament features the top teams from Division I, II, and III, and takes place every fall, with the championship game usually held in November. In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know about the NCAA Women's Field Hockey Tournament, from its history and format to the current contenders and key players to watch.
A Brief History of the NCAA Women's Field Hockey Tournament
The NCAA Women's Field Hockey Tournament was first held in 1981, with Old Dominion University winning the inaugural championship. Since then, the tournament has grown in size and popularity, featuring more than 60 teams across all three divisions. The format of the championship has also evolved over the years, with the field expanding and the tournament being held over several days in a single location.
Over the course of its history, the NCAA Women's Field Hockey Tournament has seen a number of dominant teams and players. The University of Maryland has won the tournament a record eight times, followed by Old Dominion University with seven championships. On the individual side, players like Cindy Werley (Old Dominion) and Tracey Fuchs (University of Connecticut) have left their mark on the tournament, setting numerous records and earning multiple All-American honors.
The Format of the NCAA Women's Field Hockey Tournament
The format of the NCAA Women's Field Hockey Tournament can vary slightly each year, but generally follows a similar structure. The tournament starts with a selection show, where the field of teams is announced and their seeding is revealed. This is followed by the opening rounds, which differ for each division but generally involve several matches in a single elimination format. The winners of the opening rounds then advance to the semifinals and finals, which are typically held over a weekend at a neutral site.
Each match in the tournament is 60 minutes long and is divided into two halves of 35 minutes each, with a 10-minute halftime. In the event of a tie at the end of regulation, the match goes into overtime, which can last up to two periods of 15 minutes each. If the score remains tied after the overtime periods, a shootout is used to determine the winner. The shootout involves five players from each team taking turns shooting on the opposing team's goalkeeper, and the team with the most goals at the end of the shootout wins the match.
The Current Contenders for the NCAA Women's Field Hockey Tournament
As of the 2021 season, the top contenders for the NCAA Women's Field Hockey Tournament are:
- University of North Carolina
- University of Michigan
- University of Louisville
- University of Iowa
- Princeton University
- University of Connecticut
- Wake Forest University
These teams have consistently performed well throughout the season and are expected to make a deep run in the tournament. However, as with any sports competition, anything can happen on the day of the match, and underdogs can often pull off surprising upsets.
Key Players to Watch in the NCAA Women's Field Hockey Tournament
While field hockey is a team sport, there are always standout players who can make a difference in a match. Some of the top players to watch in the NCAA Women's Field Hockey Tournament include:
- Erin Matson (University of North Carolina)
- Emily Wismer (University of Michigan)
- Katie Schneider (University of Louisville)
- Lein Holsboer (University of Iowa)
- Ali McCarthy (Princeton University)
- Margot Lawn (University of Connecticut)
- Meredith Bechler (Wake Forest University)
These players have all had standout seasons so far and will be instrumental in their teams' success in the tournament. Other players to keep an eye on include goalkeepers and defenders, who play a crucial role in preventing the opposition from scoring goals.
Conclusion
The NCAA Women's Field Hockey Tournament is a thrilling competition that showcases the top college field hockey teams in the United States. From its humble beginnings in 1981 to its current format, the tournament has grown in size and popularity, attracting thousands of fans each year. With the current contenders and key players to watch, this year's tournament promises to be as exciting as ever.
So mark your calendars and tune in to see who will be crowned the NCAA Women's Field Hockey National Champions this year!
