USA Rugby has finalized the brackets for the 2018 Men's D1AA and Women's D1 and D2 Fall Championships and the 2018 Men's D2 National Championship. The playoffs commence on the weekend of November 17-18 with: Round of 16 and Quarterfinal fixtures for Men and Women's D2, and quarterfinals and semifinals for Men's D1AA and Women's D1 being held at Vassar College, East Carolina University and Mount St. Mary's. The Championships will be played at the Mecklenburg County Sportsplex @ Matthews in Charlotte, NC on the weekend of December 1-2.
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"This year's Fall College Championships feature some of the best time-tested playoff teams and also some ambitious newcomers,' said USA Rugby College Director, Rich Cortez. "Each year, the renewal of the post-season competition signifies the culmination of hectic regular seasons, rigorous conference championships, and the chance for teams to prove themselves on a national scale. We congratulate the participants on their accomplishments and wish them success, however measured, in the playoffs!'
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Men's D1AA:
In D1AA play, we see the return of last year's fall champion and runner-up, Mary Washington and St. Joseph's university, respectively. They return as the number 1 and 2 seeds heading into the playoffs. Following them closely in third is Lindenwood Belleville, who will be looking to make the most of their independent season in D1AA. In 4th is the Southeastern Conference Champion Kentucky, who lost in last year's semifinal to eventual champion, Mary Washington. It should be an exciting bracket, and with the caliber of each team participating there is every chance there will be a new champion crowned in 2018.
Women's D1:
Last year's champion, Davenport, returns in a bid to secure their second consecutive championship. Their championship opponent from last year, Notre Dame also returns to the fray and will look for revenge after last year's championship loss. Joining them in the bracket are UConn and Air Force. Both of these teams have won the fall championship before, UConn in 2015 and Air Force in 2016. Air Force also won the open division of the 2018 College 7s competition, and will look to add more accolades in December.
Men's D2:
There are plenty of new faces entering the National title race for the Men's D2 competition this year, as well as some old reliables. Iowa Central Community College continues their excellent rise from NSCRO to now competing nationally at the D2 level. While trying to claim the title they will have their work cut out for them. The biggest obstacle standing in their way will be the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater who will be looking for their third consecutive title. Another team that is fancied to take the spoils will be the home town team UNC Charlotte. After coming off an impressive win at the College 7s National Championships, UNC Charlotte will have firm belief in themselves to get the job done in the longer format. They won't be the only team hoping to cash in on some home support, as North Carolina State has also entered the bracket with a strong seeding. If they can advance through the first weekend, they'll hope they can draw a lot of in-state support to carry them over the line in December.
Women's D2:
The women's D2 bracket sees all four of last year's semifinalists return. Last year it was Winona State who took the championship home after beating Vassar College in a back and forth battle. Vassar will be hosting the first weekend of the championship series and will look for their local support to carry them through to Charlotte. Coast Guard and Cincinnati who met in the bronze match last year will have their chances at redemption, as they are on the same side of the bracket, as their respective semifinal opponents from last year. They will have to move by some tough opposition to do so, but there will certainly be plenty of motivation for both teams this championship season.
