CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa -- The NCAA announced earlier this week taht the American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) will be represented by Loras College in the 64-team field for the 2025 NCAA Division III Women's Soccer Tournament. The A-R-C automatic qualifier, Loras, will head south to WashU in St. Louis for the opening rounds.
The Duhawks will play North Central (Ill.) on Saturday, November 15 at 1:30 p.m. on the campus of WashU. North Central hails from the Collegiate Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) and earned the league's automatic qualifier to the tournament. The Cardinals are ranked No. 32 in NPI as the Duhawks sit just ahead of them at No. 28. Loras enters the tournament as the A-R-C tournament champions after winning their fifth straight conference tournament title. This was the 18th conference tournament title in program history for the Duhawks.
Also in St. Louis will be WashU, the host, and Wilmington (Ohio).
Loras is a well-known name this time of year for women's soccer, making its 19th apperance in the NCAA Division III Women's Soccer Tournament. During the 2021 season, the Duhawks made it to the Final Four. Head coach Matt Pucci has been under direction for eight of the trips to the NCAA Tournament.
First & Second Round Schedule - WashU Regional
Saturday, November 15 - First Round
Game 1: WashU vs. Wilmington - 11:00 a.m.
Game 2: Loras vs. North Central - 1:30 p.m.
Sunday, November 16 - Second Round
Game 3: Game 1 Winner vs. Game 2 Winner - 1:00 p.m.
About the American Rivers Conference
Nationally respected for excellence in NCAA Division III athletics, the American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) has a tradition dating back to its founding in 1922 as the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Association and adopted its current name in 2018 to reflect its strong Iowa roots and growing regional footprint. The A-R-C is a collaborative community that champions the holistic development of student-athletes, uniting member institutions in a shared commitment to academic achievement, athletic distinction, and leadership.
The A-R-C is home to nine full-time member institutions: Buena Vista University, Central College, Coe College, University of Dubuque, Loras College, Luther College, Nebraska Wesleyan University, Simpson College, and Wartburg College. Luther College has announced its departure from the conference, effective at the conclusion of the 2025–26 academic year.
