PORTALES, NM -After one of the finest regular season is program history, the Eastern New Mexico University women’s basketball team (20-8) has qualified for the NCAA Tournament for the first time. The Hounds finished the 2016-17 season with the second-most victories in team history and a team-record 16 Lone Star Conference wins.
“We are very thankful for the opportunity to continue our season,” said Head Coach Josh Prock. “These young ladies have worked hard to earn this opportunity. They have played together and tough all year. This is the first time in school history that we have made the NCAA tournament and we are looking forward to playing this weekend.”
The Greyhounds will open the eight-team NCAA South Central Regional, against Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Tournament champion, University of Colorado-Colorado Springs (23-8). The Mountain Lions are 1-1 against Lone Star Conference teams, with a loss at Texas Woman’s and a victory over Midwestern State.
Colorado State-Pueblo will host the event in the Massari Arena, after posting a 27-3 record and reaching the RMAC semifinals.
The appearance marks the first time the ENMU women’s basketball team has qualified for NCAA Regionals. The 2004 volleyball team and 2003-04 men’s basketball teams were the last squads from ENMU to qualify for an NCAA Regional Tournament. The 2001 softball team also qualified and claimed a regional title.
The Eastern New Mexico University women’s basketball team will open play at the NCAA South Central Regional against UCCS on Friday. The tipoff time will be announced when available.
1. Colorado State-Pueblo
2. Angelo State
3. Colorado-Colorado Springs
4. West Texas A&M
5. Regis
6. Eastern New Mexico University
7. St. Edwards
8. Tarleton State