The Howard University women’s soccer team looks to continue its historic season this week as the Bison prepare to play in the NCAA tournament. Howard (11-4-5) will face off against top-seeded Duke for the first time ever Nov. 15 at 6 p.m. in Durham, North Carolina. It will be the Bison’s third appearance in the NCAA Tournament and its first since joining the Northeast Conference four years ago. The team is on a historic run, winning its first-ever NEC regular-season title after securing a 6-0 victory over Delaware State on Oct. 31, putting its conference record at 8-1-1. On Sunday, Howard defeated FDU 2-1 to win its first NEC Tournament championship with goals by Herndon, Virginia, native Samantha James and McLean High School alum Kyra Bolden.

@HowardWSoccer hoists the #NECWSOC trophy for the first time ever ‼️#NECchamps x @HUBisonSports pic.twitter.com/HDJGSedOtl

— NEC Women’s Soccer (@necwsoccer) November 10, 2024

The result secured the Bison’s spot in the national tournament, ending a six-year absence and making it one of two HBCU’s participating in the event. “This is a momentous moment for this program,” head coach Brent Leiba said Sunday before receiving a Gatorade bath from his players. “It’s cool, but it is the greatest feeling. This is what we worked so hard for.” Howard joins Georgetown and Virginia as the region’s representatives in the women’s college soccer tournament.