Soccer | 11/9/2026 7:59:00 PM

DENTON, Texas (Nov. 9, 2026) - For the first time in program history, the Texas Woman's soccer team will host the opening rounds of the NCAA Division II Women's Soccer Championship.

The NCAA officially announced the South Central Regional bracket Monday, naming TWU the No. 2 seed. The Pioneers will receive a first-round bye and face the winner of the match between the No. 3 and No. 6 seeds.

In Friday's opening round, No. 3 seed Midwestern State will play No. 6 seed Colorado School of Mines at 3 p.m. at Pioneer Soccer Park in Denton.

This marks the Pioneers' fourth appearance in the national tournament and their second consecutive under head coach Babak Abouzar. TWU made its NCAA tournament debut in 2019 in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where the fourth-seeded Pioneers faced No. 5 seed Dixie State (now Utah Tech).

TWU enters the postseason with a 15-1-3 record, anchored by a program-record 16 shutouts and a defense that has allowed just three goals through 19 matches.

The Pioneers held the No. 2 spot in the final regional poll before securing their position in the national field. Top-seeded Dallas Baptist will host the other regional pod in Dallas, featuring No. 4 seed Regis and No. 5 seed UCCS. The winners of Friday's opening-round matches will advance to Sunday's second round to face top-seeded DBU and TWU.

Tickets are $15 for adult general admission and $12 for seniors. Children under two receive free admission, and TWU student, faculty, and staff passes will be honored.

-PIONEERS-