Women’s college soccer playoffs are underway, with Florida State pursuing another title

The GIST: Ready your confetti, because the 2024 women’s soccer championship tournament kicks off tonight, with No. 1 seeds Duke, USC, Mississippi State, and defending champion Florida State leading the charge. Here’s everything you need to know — let’s kick it.

How it works: Sixty-four teams will compete in the single-elimination tournament, with 30 squads earning automatic bids by winning their conference, while the remaining 34 received at-large bids based on their regular-season performances. The first round begins today and runs through Sunday, with action continuing over the next few weekends and culminating in the National Championship game on Monday, December 9th.

Teams to watch: After winning their fifth straight ACC title last weekend, reigning champs FSU are in prime position to hoist their second consecutive National Championship trophy. The Seminoles are led by senior Taylor Huff, who has tallied 12 goals and nine assists this season.

• Another squad to keep an eye on? Fellow No. 1 overall seed Duke, who are competing for their first ’ship in head coach Robbie Church’s 24 years at the helm. He announced earlier this season that this will be his last year before retirement — a win would be quite the parting gift.

• And if you’re in the mood for a potential upset on this fine footy Friday, watch the No. 2 goal scorer in the country, senior Kiara Pralle, lead Lipscomb in their attempt to upset No. 8 Vanderbilt at 8 p.m. ET. Golazos, incoming.