INDIANAPOLIS- Augustana University soccer is ranked third in the first edition of the NCAA Central Region rankings announced on Wednesday afternoon. The top six teams in the region will advance to the NCAA regional tournament on Nov. 13-15.

NSIC opponent Minnesota State earned the No. 1 ranking, followed by Central Missouri, Augustana, Minot State, Winona State, and Northeastern State.  

The Central Region is made up of teams from the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference, the Mid-America Athletic Association and the Great American Conference.

Automatic bids are granted to the winners of each conference, the three remaining spots will be awarded on an at-large basis. The 2015 NCAA Division II soccer championships will be held on December 4-6 in Pensacola, Fla.

Augustana soccer made an appearance in the NCAA tournament last year for the the second time in school history losing in the first round to Central Oklahoma 1-0 last year.

The Vikings enter this weekend at 11-2-1, including 9-1-1 in NSIC play. Augustana will play three of its final four games on the road, starting with No. 22 Minot State and University of Mary this Saturday and Sunday.