University of California San Diego’s quest for a third straight West Region crown will begin at home Friday, as the campus hosts an opening round of the 2019 NCAA Division II Championships.
UC San Diego will play host to third-seeded city rival Point Loma Nazarene University (30-19), and sixth-seeded Montana State University Billings (33-18).
Selections were announced Sunday night for the Division II championship, which has been revamped this year with super regionals added to be more similar to the Division I tournament.
The Tritons (35-12) will host the West Regional #2, while West Regional #1 takes place in Azusa at top seed Azusa Pacific University. Both of the double-elimination sub-regionals continue through Saturday.
The two teams that advance will compete in the West Super Regional, May 24-25, at the venue of the highest remaining seed. Should Azusa Pacific advance, it is assured of hosting the super regional.
The Tritons, regular-season victors of the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) for the first time since 2012 and fifth time overall, are an at-large entry this year.
The opening game at UCSD features Point Loma and MSU Billings at 7 p.m. Thursday. The loser faces the host Tritons at 3:30 p.m. Friday.
UCSD also plays the winner of that Thursday night contest, at 7 p.m. Friday. Saturday’s games, teams to be determined, begin at 3:30 and 7 p.m.
“We are very excited about the opportunity to host a regional,” UCSD head coach Eric Newman said.
Single-day ticket prices are $10 for adults and $5 for college students with identification, seniors 65 and older, and children aged three to 12. Children two and under are admitted free.
Tickets are good for day-of-games only, and will be available for purchase 60 minutes prior to the start of the first game. Parking is free on Saturday, but permits will be required Thursday and Friday.
All games will be streamed live video at UCSDtritons.tv.
– Staff reports
