SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- With another strong regular season in the books, the Augustana women's soccer team (12-5-3) now begins its NCAA postseason journey when they open up regional play against the defending DII National Champions, Central Missouri. The Vikings faced the Jennies in just their second game of the season, scoring twice in the second half, but falling 3-2 in double-overtime. Friday's first round matchup will take place in Bemidji, Minn. on Friday, Nov. 9 at 11 a.m., and fans not in attendance can watch live video and stats here GoAugie.com/live, and follow along on twitter @AugieSoccer.

Head coach Brandon Barkus is looking forward to the opportunity to play in the tournament and get a rematch with Central Missouri "It's going to be a huge challenge, but I know we're excited and going north could be on our side. We are ok playing in the cold, and we may have an advantage with the Jennies being from Missouri," Barkus said.

Vikings in the NCAA Tournament:
This will be the Vikings fifth appearance in the NCAA tournament and their fourth in the last five seasons. Augustana holds a record of 2-4 in the NCAA tournament, and Barkus has taken the Vikings to all five of their NCAA tournament appearances.

Central Regional:
The Vikings and Jennies travel to Bemidji, Minn. where Bemidji State University is the host school. The winner of the first-round matchup will play No. 2 seed Bemidji State or No. 7 Minot State on Sunday, Nov. 11 at 1 p.m.

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

Scouting Central Missouri:
Central Missouri Soccer earned the No. 3 seed in the 2018 NCAA D-II Central Region Soccer Tournament. The Jennies continue to be led by Scott who has put the ball in the back of the net 17 times this season.She has also tallied five assists. The 39 points she has on the season is the highest for the Jennies and ranks 24th in the nation. Not far behind is Makayla Toth with 12 goals, nine assists and 33 points.

Augustana has never beat Central Missouri, holding an all time series record of 0-5.