Saint Francis to Host First Rounds of 2010 NEC Women’s Basketball Tournament

LORETTO, Pa. (July 28, 2009) – Saint Francis University will host the quarter- and semi-finals of the 2010 Northeast Conference Women’s basketball tournament.   The first round of the tournament will be played Saturday, March 6, with the winners advancing to the second round to be played Sunday, March 7.

The top remaining seed will host the championship game, with an NCAA tournament berth on the line.

“Saint Francis is very appreciative of the opportunity the Northeast Conference and the member institutions have provided with the awarding of the 2010 Northeast Conference Women's Basketball Tournament to our university,” said Director of Athletics Bob Krimmel.  “It will be an honor to showcase the best women's basketball teams in the Northeast Conference at DeGol Arena.  I know our fans will enjoy the experience and the Red Flash Community looks forward to extending our hospitality to the visitors who will travel to Saint Francis following their respective teams.  Saint Francis will work extremely hard to make this a weekend of great memories for those who are part of the experience. “

Saint Francis last hosted a playoff game on March 12, 2005 when the No. 1 seeded Red Flash defeated Robert Morris in the Northeast Conference championship game.     Since 1998, SFU has hosted the finals five times, winning the championship on their home court in 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002 and 1998.

"We are thrilled to be hosting the 2010 NEC Tournament at DeGol Arena,” said head coach Susan Robinson Fruchtl, who enters her third season with the Red Flash.  “We are grateful that the Northeast Conference Athletic Directors, the Presidents, the Coaches, and the Senior Women's Administrators have given us this opportunity.  Our players, coaches, and administration will work very hard to make the tournament a great success.  Enthusiasm is at a high level among Red Flash fans and they are very excited to be hosting all the NEC teams that will make the trip to Saint Francis in March.”

Last season, Robinson Fruchtl guided Saint Francis to the championship game, which was hosted by No. 1 seed Sacred Heart.  The Pioneers defeated the Red Flash 74-66 and went on to play Ohio State in the first round of the NCAA tournament.

The Red Flash went 15-17 last year, finishing the regular season in a tie for third place in the NEC.  Last season marked the first time Saint Francis qualified for the tournament since 2005.  All five starters, as well as four reserves, return for the 2009-10 season.  They will be joined by the NEC’s top-ranked recruiting class, as well as guard Allison Smith (Lebanon, Pa./Cedar Crest), who will be eligible after sitting out last season under NCAA transfer guidelines.  

Information on ticket sales will be announced at a later date.