William & Mary women make history with first NCAA Tournament bid

In the United States, William & Mary achieved a historic milestone by making its first appearance in the NCAA Tournament for both men’s and women’s basketball. This landmark event occurred when the women's team won the Coastal Athletic Association Tournament by defeating Campbell 66-63. The game was noteworthy not only for the win but also because William & Mary, as the No. 9 seed, was the lowest-seeded team to claim this title, thus breaking a significant barrier for the school. The victory is even more remarkable given that it was the Tribe’s first appearance in the final since 1993, when they lost to Old Dominion. The women's basketball program at William & Mary, which is in its 105th season, has labored through years of competition without making it to the NCAA stage. Their roster featured standout performances, particularly by Bella Nascimento, who scored an impressive 33 points in the championship game. The team's record leading up to this tournament was 15-18, having faced adversity by losing seven out of eight games prior to a successful four-game streak in the CAA Tournament. Coach Erin Dickerson Davis emphasized the importance of belief within the team, which played a crucial role in their success. Meanwhile, High Point University also made headlines by securing its first-ever NCAA Tournament bid under coach Alan Huss, who previously worked at Creighton. The Panthers had a remarkable season, finishing with a record of 29-5 and overcoming a 15-point deficit to win their league title game against Winthrop. Their journey to the NCAA Tournament is a testament to the team's growth, especially following their success in the previous season. Huss highlighted the team's depth and offensive efficiency as key contributors to their rise in the competitive landscape of college basketball. Both William & Mary and High Point's achievements are significant not only for the respective schools but also for their communities. As six women's teams and four men's teams joined the NCAA Tournament field for the first time, these breakthroughs illustrate the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics, allowing these institutions to gain national recognition.