TOLEDO, Ohio — UPDATE: The MAC champion no. 12 seed Toledo Rockets will take on no. 5 seed Iowa St. on Saturday in Knoxville in the women’s NCAA tournament.
After their decisive win over rival Bowling Green in the MAC championship game on Saturday in Cleveland the Toledo Rockets Women’s basketball team is looking forward to what’s next – the NCAA tournament.
On Sunday, the university hosted a public viewing of the selection show at Savage Arena as the team learned where and who they will be playing.
The Rockets fan base has been a huge factor in the success of the program over the years. The selection show was another opportunity for fans to share in the team's success and for the team to show their appreciation to their fans.
A year ago, the team suffered a disappointing loss in the MAC championship which denied them an automatic bid to the big tournament.
Still they hoped that their spectacular regular season would be enough to earn them a spot. It wasn’t to be however.
This year, the team had something to prove and played with a chip on their shoulder, determined to get into the tournament.
“This year we put that schedule in and put the work in and left no doubt. We’re going dancing this year,” said Rossford native and Rockets star Sammi Mikonowicz.
In December, the Rockets beat Michigan, who at the time were ranked No. 14 in the country, in Ann Arbor.
And despite a loss to an ascendant Bowling Green Falcons team earlier in the year, the Rockets never lost their focus, beating BG in their second meeting of the year and winning the regular season MAC championship.
The fans who came to the event and the team were in a partying mood, still taking in what they accomplished.
"We're just really excited. Last year we didn't get that, we were waiting for it. We fell short, so this year just seeing our name up there. We're really excited, really grateful," said Rocket senior guard Sophia Wiard.
Sunday's selection watch party was a time to celebrate their achievement but Coach Tricia Cullop says they can't quit just yet. They'll be back to practice tomorrow.
"The biggest thing for our kids to get rested, so we can be fully prepared for this game," coach Cullop said.
Toledo has a record of 28-4. It’s their first trip to the NCAA tournament since 2017.
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