Lansing Sun

Michigan State University's women's soccer team has secured an at-large bid to the NCAA Women's Soccer Tournament for the third consecutive year. The Spartans, seeded fifth in their region, will face Western Michigan on November 16 at DeMartin Stadium.

This marks the seventh overall tournament appearance for the Spartans and their first time achieving three consecutive NCAA bids. The team also enjoys a seeded selection and home game for the third straight season, having traveled in previous tournaments.

Last season, MSU reached its best finish by advancing to the third round against top-seeded BYU after victories over Ohio and Harvard. In 2022, they defeated Milwaukee in the first round.

The winner of Saturday's match will advance to play either fourth-seeded Texas or Boston University. Duke holds the No. 1 seed in the region, with Texas as No. 4 and Texas Tech as No. 8.

The Spartans are among ten Big Ten teams participating in this year's tournament, alongside UCLA, USC, Iowa, Penn State, Minnesota, Washington, Rutgers, Ohio State, and Wisconsin. Non-conference opponents Notre Dame and Arkansas are also competing.

MSU earned its seeding with a record of 12-2-5 (7-1-3 B1G) in 2024 and maintained a top 25 ranking from United Soccer Coaches throughout the season. Seven players were named to All-Big Ten teams under head coach Jeff Hosler's leadership.

Western Michigan enters as Mid-American Conference champions with a record of 13-1-6 (8-0-3 MAC). Forward Jen Blitchok ranks fourth nationally in total goals this season with 17.

First-round matches are scheduled for November 15-17; second and third rounds follow on November 22 and November 24. The NCAA Women's College Cup semifinals and final will be held at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, North Carolina from December 6 to December 9.

Tickets for Saturday's match at DeMartin Stadium will be available online and at the gate starting one hour before kickoff at noon.