Cowgirl Soccer To Open NCAA Play Against Arkansas-Pine Bluff

The Oklahoma State Cowgirl soccer team learned its seeding and road to the NCAA Championship Monday as the Division I brackets were released.

Oklahoma State is a No. 2 national seed--it's highest ever-- and will host its first round game in Stillwater Friday Nov. 11 at 7 p.m. against Arkansas-Pine Bluff.

"We're happy we're a two seed; it's the highest seed we've ever received," said head coach Colin Carmichael, who has guided OSU to six NCAA Tournament appearances in his seven seasons as head coach. "If we'd beaten Texas A&M in the (Big 12 Championship) final, we might have been a No. 1, and that's probably fair."

The Cowgirls appearance in the post season marks their sixth straight, and seventh overall appearance in school history.

The 19-1 Cowgirls will face the Lions who won the SWAC Conference Championship. The Lady Lions are 16-4 on the season.

"We have confidence in our team and confidence in each other that we can get to the Final Four," said senior forward Krista Lopez. "We've gained experience and confidence since last year. We know how a loss feels, and we don't want to feel that feeling again."

"The bracket is what it is – we've got a game with Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Friday and then should we advance, we get to host again. You can't ask for more than that," said Carmichael.

The Cowgirls fell short of the Big 12 Championship after losing a tough game against Texas A&M Sunday.

Related Story: Cowgirls Lose Heartbreaker In Conference Championship

If OSU advances to the second round, they will host the winner of the Notre Dame-Illinois contest. The winners of the Auburn-Utah State and Maryland-La Salle matchups would also travel to Stillwater for a second-round game.

View the entire NCAA Division 1 Women's Soccer Bracket here.