TUCSON, Ariz. – After a lengthy hiatus, the NFCA’s Division II Leadoff Classic returns to existence this weekend over Feb. 15-17, 2013, as 18 of the best DII teams from across the country will descend on Lincoln Park North/South in Tucson, Ariz., to battle it out for the event title.
Along with reigning national finalist UC San Diego, Augustana (S.D.) and Central Oklahoma make up a group of three 2012 NCAA Championship participants that are included in this weekend’s field.
Other squads playing in the NFCA DII Leadoff Classic are Abilene Christian, Cal State San Bernardino, Chowan, Colorado Mesa, Dixie State, Grand Canyon, Minnesota State Mankato, Missouri-St. Louis, Molloy, New Haven, Nova Southeastern, Regis (Colo.), Southeastern Oklahoma State, Texas Woman’s and West Texas A&M.
The tournament will consist of pool play for the opening two days with each team playing two squads from its main pool on Friday before crossing over for two match-ups against members of a sister pool on Saturday. On Championship Sunday the top four teams overall out of the field of 18 will play for the Gold bracket title with Nos. 5-8 playing for the Silver bracket crown, Nos. 9-12 playing for the Bronze bracket title and Nos. 13-16 playing for the Copper bracket championship. The two participants that finish in the No. 17 & 18 positions will contest a Sunday doubleheader to grant each team a total of six tournament contests.
Single day tickets will be available for $10 for adults and $7 for children 12 and under. Special group rates of $5 will also be available for groups of 10 or more youth or military personnel.