FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Continuing the trend of program firsts in 2017, Nova Southeastern has earned the opportunity to host the opening two rounds of the NCAA South Region this weekend. The Sharks were selected as the region's No. 2 seed this past Monday, and as a result will receive an automatic bye into the round of 32 – the furthest round reached of any team in program history. Third-seeded Lee out of the Gulf South Conference and No. 6 seed Florida Tech will kick-start the tournament in a first-round matchup on Friday at 1 p.m. ET. The winner will advance to face Nova Southeastern this Sunday at 2 p.m.
 
Sunday's winner will move onto the Sweet 16, where it'll await the survivor of the top half of the South Region bracket between Mississippi College, North Alabama and West Florida.
 
HOW THEY GOT HERE
Nova Southeastern (12-4-1, 8-1-1)
 
The Sharks made their third consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance after collecting the program's first-ever outright Sunshine State Conference regular season title just two weeks ago. Head Coach John Constable's club boasted the league's top scoring offense during the year, tying Lynn by averaging a shade over two goals per game. A large part of the offensive success has hinged on the play of All-SSC First Team selections Adanna Edwards, Emma Heikkila and Monica Orteu. SSC Defensive Player of the Year Bailey Corbin has chimed in as of late, though, with three goals in the last five matches, and will look to lead Nova Southeastern on a deep run during her final year as a Shark.
 
Lee (16-4, 12-2 GSC)
 
The GSC Tournament champions enter the postseason riding high currently in the midst of a nine-game win streak, highlighted by a 1-0 victory over the region's top team, Mississippi College, in the conference final. Two-time GSC Player of the Year Summer Lanter has been on a tear during the Lady Flames' recent run, recording eight goals in her last four contests, including two hat tricks over that span. Their latest postseason appearance marks the Lady Flames' third straight since becoming NCAA postseason eligible in 2015.
 
Florida Tech (9-7-3, 4-5-1 SSC)
 
Following an improbable run in last week's SSC Tournament, the Panthers return to regional play for the first time since 2013. Florida Tech entered the SSC Tournament outside of the regional picture as the league's No. 6 seed, yet reeled off three wins in six days to capture the SSC's automatic bid. Up top, the Panthers are led by the tandem of Keira McCarthy (five goals, four assists) and Maria Munoz (six goals, three assits), while keeper Karlyn Prisco was named the SSC Tournament's Most Outstanding Player following consecutive shutouts.
 
For complete tournament information, visit the 2017 Women's Soccer NCAA South Region homepage.
 
For live coverage of this weekend's action, click here.