BEREA, Ohio — Baldwin Wallace finds itself in a familiar spot, and they're more than OK with that.
The Yellow Jackets are officially headed back to the NCAA Division III Women's Basketball Tournament, earning one of 21 at-large bids in the 64-team bracket that was revealed Monday. This marks the program's fourth straight tournament appearance and 17th all-time, all coming under legendary head coach Cheri Harrer.
Coming off a Sweet 16 berth in 2022, BW is currently 22-5 and ranked 22nd in the nation, finishing tied for second in the Ohio Athletic Conference before falling to Marietta in the league tournament semifinals. Guard Emily Irwin leads the young squad in scoring at 11.7 points per game, while forward and fellow sophomore Bella Vaillant averages 11.0 points along with 6.5 rebounds.
Baldwin Wallace has previously made it as far as the Elite Eight three times, most recently in 2006. The Yellow Jackets were also ranked in the top 10 at 28-2 in 2020, but that tournament was canceled after the Sweet 16 due to the threat of COVID-19.
BW's slate of first and second-round games will be played in Holland, Michigan, with the Jackets opening with No. 24 Wartburg (21-6) Friday afternoon at 5:30 p.m. The winner will face either No. 7 Hope (the host team) or St. Norbert Saturday night.