Tigers Earn No. 17 Seed, Set to Host NCAA Tournament Opening Rounds
 
The Tigers dominated the SAA Conference Tournament this past weekend, sweeping the competition with impressive performances. On Friday, they opened with a 2-0 victory over Centre College, then capped off the tournament with a commanding 3-0 championship win against Rhodes College on Sunday. With these victories, the Tigers claimed both the In-Season Conference Championship and the Conference Tournament Championship, solidifying their status at the top of the conference in only their first season participating in the SAA.
 
Preview - The Round of 64: Tigers vs. Cowgirls

The Tigers secured the No. 17 national ranking heading into the NCAA Tournament this past weekend, earning the right to host the first two rounds on their home field in San Antonio. Joining the Tigers in the regional bracket are Hardin-Simmons University, McMurry University, and California Lutheran University. Trinity will open tournament play against a familiar foe, Hardin-Simmons University, on Saturday, Nov. 15 at 11 AM.

The matchup brings back plenty of emotion for the Tigers. In 2023, the two teams met in the first round of the NCAA Tournament in Belton, TX, where the Cowgirls handed the Tigers a heartbreaking 1-0 loss. Since then, however, the tables have turned. Trinity has defeated Hardin-Simmons in their last two meetings, earning a 3-0 win in 2024 and a 2-1 victory earlier this season. In the most recent matchup, the Tigers rallied from a first-half deficit with two goals in a four-minute span, showcasing their offensive firepower and composure under pressure. Despite controlling much of the game, the Tigers were unable to capitalize on multiple opportunities, something they've worked tirelessly to sharpen throughout the season. With home-field advantage and a chance to avenge their 2023 loss, the Tigers enter the tournament poised to make a statement. A win over Hardin-Simmons would not only prove their growth over the past two years but also set the tone for a deep postseason run.

The Cowgirls enter the tournament with an 11-3-2 record, with one of those three losses coming at the hands of the Tigers earlier this season. Both teams share several common opponents, including the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, McMurry University, Southwestern University, and Texas Lutheran University. Against Mary Hardin-Baylor, the Tigers battled to a 0-0 draw, while the Cowgirls edged out a 1-0 victory in their latest meeting. Hardin-Simmons earned a 2-0 win over McMurry, whereas the Tigers posted a dominant 4-1 result. The Cowgirls narrowly topped Southwestern in a 4-3 thriller, while the Tigers claimed a convincing 2-0 win. Finally, against Texas Lutheran, the Cowgirls came away with a 1-0 victory, compared to Trinity's 3-1 triumph. The results suggest the two programs will produce a strong showdown, but the Tigers ability to win by wider margins highlights their depth and attacking efficiency, as well as their growth to finish on scoring opportunities throughout the season.
The Cowgirls attack is driven by freshman midfielder Tatum Barnett, who leads the team with eight goals and four assists. Containing her will be a key focus for the Tigers veteran midfield, whose experience and composure will be crucial in neutralizing Hardin-Simmons most dangerous offensive threat. 

If the Tigers defeat the Cowgirls, they will advance to face the winner of the McMurry vs. California Lutheran matchup. The Tigers have already shown they can handle McMurry, earning a commanding 4-1 victory when the teams met this past September. Last year, the Tigers edged past California Lutheran 1-0 in the Round of 64, thanks to a brilliant 65th-minute goal from Madisyn Barganski (Corpus Christi, TX). If the Tigers meet Lutheran again, Barganski will undoubtedly be a key factor, as the Lutheran defense will be looking to stay tight on her. With their momentum and talent, the Tigers are ready to take on whoever comes next with confidence and determination, one game at a time.

The Tigers will look to rely on their balanced attack and disciplined defensive structure that has carried them all season. Trinity has outscored opponents 49-9 this year, showcasing not only an explosive offense but also one of the most disciplined back lines in the nation. With momentum from their SAA Tournament sweep and home-field advantage on their side, the Tigers enter the NCAA Tournament confident and battle-tested. Saturday's matchup promises to be an intense and emotional rematch, as the Tigers aim to defend their home turf, avenge the heartbreak of 2023, and take the first step toward a deep postseason run.

Looking Ahead

The Tigers must win this Saturday to continue on to the Round of 32 on Sunday, Nov. 16th. The winner of the Trinity vs. Hadrin Simmons matchup will play the winner of the McMurry vs. California Lutheran matchup on Nov. 16th at 1:00 PM.