Mankato, Minn. -- For the fifth time in school history the Maverick women's soccer team has earned a trip to the NCAA Division II playoffs.

The fifth-seeded Mavericks open the 48-team tournament Friday when they travel to Denver, Colo. to take on fourth-seeded Minnesota Duluth. The match will be the third match-up between the two teams this season. MSU defeated the Bulldogs, 2-0 at The Pitch Aug. 30, then lost a tough battle, 1-0, to the Bulldogs, (9/20) in Duluth, Minn. The Mavericks have a winning record against the Bulldogs, 11-6-2.

"Anytime you qualify for the NCAA tournament it's exciting, as well as a reflection of the program and players. Only 48 teams are chosen and the opportunity for us to be one of them is something to value. We will seize this and go forward", said head coach Peter McGahey.

Minnesota State is 3-4-1 in NCAA Division II playoff games. In 2008, MSU defeated Colorado School of Mines, 3-1 in the first round of NCAA DII playoffs. They advanced to the second round where they were defeated by Metro State, 1-0.

The Mavericks finished their 2009 regular season with a 13-4-2 overall record.

Metro State finished their season 20-1-1 to earn the top seed in the Central Region and a first round bye. The one loss Metro State recorded this season was against the Mavericks, September 4th in Denver, Colo., where the Mavericks won, 2-1.

The winner of the Minnesota State and Minnesota Duluth match will advance to the second round where they will face Metro State on November 15, in Denver, Colo.

The time of Friday's match is set for 2:00 p.m central time.

To view a complete version of the NCAA Division II playoff bracket, click HERE.