Baylor soccer earns best NCAA tourney seeding ever, will open at home

With a Big 12 championship already under its belt, the Baylor soccer team now has its sights set on even loftier goals. When the field was set yesterday for the NCAA Tournament, the Bears were awarded the best national seeding in program history and the opportunity to begin a November to remember on their home field.

Big 12 Coach of the Year Paul Jobson‘s Bears were named a No. 2 national seed, their highest perch in seven NCAA Tournament appearances. For the fourth time in program history and the second year in a row, they’ll begin the postseason at Betty Lou Mays Field, where they’ll face Abilene Christian on Saturday (7:30 p.m.).

Baylor heads into the postseason with a 17-5 overall record, having won the regular season Big 12 championship and advanced to the Big 12 tournament championship game last weekend. In the tournament, they’ll count on leadership from a program-record four All-Big 12 selections — Julie James, Sarah King, Jennifer Wandt and Camryn Wendleandt — along with All-Freshmen selections Kayley Ables and Taylor Moon.

Battle-tested by a strong regular season schedule, the Bears’ returning players are also buoyed by their experiences in last year’s NCAA tournament. Last November, Baylor pulled off one of the year’s most dramatic postseason runs, advancing to their first-ever Elite Eight after overtime victories over powerhouses Southern California and Notre Dame.

By virtue of their No. 2 national seed, Baylor fans could cheer on the Bears at home for at least three games if they advance in the tournament. Stay tuned to Baylor soccer’s website and social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) for updates and details.

Sic ’em, Bears!