VIRGINIA STATE TO FACE CALIFORNIA (PA) IN NCAA TOURNAMENT

VIRGINIA STATE TO FACE CALIFORNIA (PA) IN NCAA TOURNAMENT

March 7, 2010

The Virginia State University women's basketball team has landed the program's first NCAA Tournament bid since 2002.

The seventh Lady Trojans will play host second-seeded California (Pa.) in the opening round on March 12.  VSU enters the tournament with a 22-6 record while the Lady Vulcans are 23-7.

VSU is coming off a 66-61 loss to Fayetteville State University in the semi-finals of the CIAA Tournament.  California is coming off a 77-68 loss to Gannon University in the championship game of the Pennsylvania State Intercollegiate Conference Tournament.

"This is great for the program as well as for the University and the CIAA," James Hill, the head coach of the VSU, said.  "We've worked hard all year, and you just hope for the opportunity to advance.  California is an outstanding team and one of the best teams in the region."

California and Gannon have been named as hosts of the Atlantic Regional games.  Gannon (#1) will face Fairmont State University (#8) while Fayetteville State (#4) will face Seton Hill College (#5).

In the other regional game, #3 West Liberty will face #6 Millersville.

Times of the games will be determined later this week.=