Women's DI Tournament Quarterfinal Preview

by Victor Olorunfemi

November 23, 2023

There are eight teams left vying for a shot at a legacy-changing NCAA champion. Nebraska, Pittsburgh, BYU, and Clemson are all chasing first titles, creating a scenario where the final four could promise a first-time winner. Of course, that also means if the traditional powers handle business, the discussion becomes which program will add to the trophy cabinet.

No. 5 Nebraska (17-3-3) at No. 2 Stanford (18-0-4) – Friday, November 24th, 5 PM Eastern, ESPN+

Every game is a must-watch, but this one is exceptionally so. Eleanor Dale leads a potent Nebraska offense against Elise Evans and an elite Stanford defense. One trend to note is the difference in personnel as Stanford starts several Freshmen against a much-experienced Cornhusker squad. That detail can make the difference in a high-pressure game where tactics go out the window, and the result comes down to composure and winning individual battles.

No. 7 Pittsburgh (17-5-1) at No. 1 Florida State (19-0-1) – Friday, November 24th, 5:30 PM Eastern, ESPN+

No one has been able to defeat Florida State this season, but if anyone can, Pittsburgh is now getting a third crack at the job. The issue is there are no holes in this Florida State team, so it would take an uncharacteristically poor performance to get an edge. But with an elite offense and a coach as experienced as Randy Waldrum, Pittsburgh should feel more confident than statistics suggest.

No. 3 North Carolina (13-1-8) at No. 1 BYU (19-2-3) – Friday, November 24th, 8 PM Eastern, ESPN+

North Carolina has not conceded a shot on target in over 180 minutes of tournament soccer, an incredible accomplishment showing a defense rounding out to form. And the Tar Heels will need every bit of that against a BYU team whose offense paces the nation. In a battle of opposing styles, BYU will look to its stars to produce moments of magic as they have all season, while North Carolina will count on a defense that has shown it is up to the challenge time and time again.

No. 2 Penn State (16-2-4) at No. 1 Clemson (17-3-4) – Saturday, November 25th, 1 PM Eastern, ESPN+

After surviving a scare against Saint Louis, the Nittany Lions come up against a Clemson squad that will not make the same mistakes that allowed Penn State to notch an eventual game-winner. This will likely be a heavily defensive matchup as both teams rely on their strengths and look to the other to make a mistake.

Related Topics: Atlantic Coast, Big 12, Big Ten, Pacific 12