WOMEN'S ATLANTIC REGION TOURNAMENT QUARTERFINAL PREVIEW
Date: Friday, March 13, 2026
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Kovalchick Convention and Athletics Complex | Indiana, Pa.
Broadcast: NCAA
Live Stats: Live Stats
Tickets: E-Tix
The postseason spotlight returns to the Atlantic Region as Fayetteville State (21–5, 13–3 CIAA) prepares to battle Seton Hill (21–8, 15–5 PSAC) in a highly anticipated first‑round matchup. Both programs reached the regional field last season—Fayetteville State falling to Gannon 60–50 in the opening round, while Seton Hill advanced to the semifinals before losing to the same opponent. This year's meeting brings contrasting styles and renewed ambition on both sides.
FAYETTEVILLE STATE
The Broncos enter this postseason with one of the strongest defensive resumes in the region. Fayetteville State holds opponents to just 53.5 points per game, combining discipline, size, and depth to grind out wins and control tempo. Offensively, the Broncos average 64.0 points and move the ball well—posting 14.0 assists per game while earning a +10.5 scoring margin.
FSU also uses its length to dominate inside, averaging 4.8 blocks per game and outrebounding opponents by nearly three boards per contest. Their defensive pressure creates consistent advantages, generating nearly 19 points per game off turnovers.
Top Four Players to Watch
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Talia Trotter (10.6 PPG, 4.8 REB, 4.8 AST, 2.2 STL) - FSU's floor general. A versatile guard who controls pace, creates shots, and sets the defensive tone.
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Nyah Wilkins (6.0 PPG, 6.3 REB) - The team's top rebounder and a key presence around the rim.
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Kelis Carmon (6.1 PPG, 4.4 REB) - A steady two‑way forward who provides energy, efficient shooting, and physical interior play.
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Alivia Evans (5.9 PPG, 2.0 REB) - A perimeter scorer capable of spacing the floor and giving the offense an extra scoring option.
SETON HILL
Seton Hill enters as one of the most explosive scoring teams in the region, averaging 84.1 points per game—more than 20 points above FSU's average output. The Griffins thrive on tempo, ball movement, and transition scoring, recording 16.5 assists per game while forcing over 23 turnovers to fuel their offense. Their balanced scoring and aggressive defensive style helped them reach the Atlantic Region semifinals last season.
Top Four Players to Watch
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Hallie Cowan (18.5 PPG, 4.4 REB) - The Griffins' primary scoring threat, dangerous from three and tough off the bounce.
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Helene Cowan (16.7 PPG, 3.0 AST) - A reliable shooter and playmaker with elite free‑throw accuracy (.884).
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Mia Kalich (13.9 PPG, 11.7 REB) - A dominant interior force who leads the team in rebounding and efficiency (.651 FG%).
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Hailee Ford (12.8 PPG, 6.8 REB) - A versatile forward who excels in second‑chance scoring and physical play.
FAYETTEVILLE STATE'S POSTSEASON LEGACY
This year's appearance adds another chapter to one of the CIAA's most consistent postseason programs. Fayetteville State has built a proud NCAA Division II tournament history, highlighted by multiple regional wins and numerous quarterfinal appearances.
| Year |
Round |
Opponent |
Result |
Score |
Region |
Site (City, State) |
| 1997 |
Quarterfinals |
Francis Marion |
W |
85–83 |
South Atlantic |
Kennesaw, GA |
| 1997 |
Semifinals |
Kennesaw State |
L |
65–99 |
South Atlantic |
Kennesaw, GA |
| 2001 |
Quarterfinals |
Francis Marion |
L |
61–69 |
South Atlantic |
Columbus, GA |
| 2003 |
Quarterfinals |
Catawba |
W |
80–72 |
Mid‑Atlantic |
Salisbury, NC |
| 2003 |
Semifinals |
Shaw |
L |
49–67 |
Mid‑Atlantic |
Salisbury, NC |
| 2005 |
Quarterfinals |
Carson‑Newman |
L |
67–79 |
Mid‑Atlantic |
Raleigh, NC |
| 2009 |
Quarterfinals |
Gannon |
L |
53–68 |
Atlantic |
California, PA |
| 2010 |
Quarterfinals |
Seton Hill |
L |
64–73 |
Atlantic |
Erie, PA |
| 2020 |
Quarterfinals |
— (Tournament canceled due to COVID‑19) |
— |
— |
Atlantic |
Indiana, PA |
| 2024 |
Quarterfinals |
Indiana (PA) |
W |
72–63 |
Atlantic |
Fairmont, WV |
| 2024 |
Semifinals |
Fairmont State |
W |
70–62 |
Atlantic |
Fairmont, WV |
| 2024 |
Sweet Sixteen |
Gannon |
L |
47–72 |
Atlantic |
Erie, PA |
| 2025 |
Quarterfinals |
Gannon |
L |
50–60 |
Atlantic |
Edinboro, PA |
This year marks back‑to‑back NCAA Tournament berths for the Broncos and their 11th overall postseason appearance—a testament to the program's rise as a perennial Atlantic Region contender.
WHAT TO EXPECT
This matchup will hinge on which team establishes its identity early:
- Seton Hill wants a fast-paced, high‑scoring game, pushing the tempo and attacking in transition.
- Fayetteville State thrives in structured, defensive battles, slowing the pace, protecting the paint, and executing in the half court.
Expect a battle of tempo, discipline, and poise—especially in late‑game possessions.
KEYS TO THE GAME
For Fayetteville State
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Control the pace - Keeping Seton Hill out of transition is priority number one.
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Turn defense into offense - With disciplined pressure, FSU can exploit Seton Hill's 18.8 turnovers per game.
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Own the paint - Limiting Kalich's rebounding and easy touches will be crucial.
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Efficient guard play - Trotter and the backcourt must manage tempo and avoid turnovers that fuel Seton Hill's runs.
For Seton Hill
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Push the tempo - Their scoring output thrives when they race up the floor.
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Pressure the ball - Creating turnovers opens the door for scoring bursts.
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Control the glass - Beating FSU on the boards will disrupt the Broncos' defensive rhythm.
Fayetteville State brings defensive toughness, postseason experience, and a gritty, methodical approach. Seton Hill counters with elite scoring, aggressive guard play, and momentum from another strong season in the PSAC.
With contrasting strengths and playoff urgency on both sides, the opening-round matchup promises to be one of the most intriguing contests in the Atlantic Region. The team that imposes its style—FSU's defensive control or Seton Hill's offensive firepower—will earn the right to advance.
