BRIDGEPORT, Pa. — The 2019 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Women’s Water Polo Championship selection show will take place at 8:00 p.m. Eastern on Monday, April 29, on NCAA.com. Seven teams already earned automatic qualification, and three teams will earn at-large bids.
Six of the 10 qualifying teams will move directly to the championship while four teams will compete in opening round games for the remaining two spots in the championship bracket. The tournament will run as single elimination.
The following conferences awarded an automatic qualifying bid based on the results of their championship tournaments:
- Big West Conference – University of Hawaii
- Mountain Pacific Sports Federation – University of Southern California
- Collegiate Water Polo Association – University of Michigan
- Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference – California Lutheran University
- Golden Coast Conference – University of the Pacific
- Western Water Polo Association – University of California-San Diego
- Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference – Wagner College
The remaining three teams will be selected by the following criteria:
● Won-lost record
● Strength of schedule
● Eligibility and availability of student-athletes for NCAA championships.
Primary criteria will also include head-to-head competition, results against common opponents and RPI. If the committee is unable to reach a decision using the primary criteria, secondary criteria may be considered. Secondary criteria includes a team’s performance during the last 10 games (including conference tournaments) and the strength of schedule and results of those games.
At-large bids are not dependent on school location.
The teams competing in the opening round games will be determined by the selection committee based on on rankings, missed class time and geographic proximity. The committee will also determine which teams will serve as the hosts. Opening-round games will take place either Saturday, May 4 or Tuesday, May 7.
The semifinals and finals will be held at Avery Aquatic Center in Stanford, California from May 10-12. Stanford University will serve as host.
