ABINGTON, Pa - The Abington women's basketball team has traveled 2,871 miles and will face its toughest challenge of the season, as they open the NCAA tournament with George Fox University tonight at 10 p.m.
 
The Nittany Lions won an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament with a 78-46 win over Morrisville State College. On Monday during the NCAA Division III women's basketball selection show, Abington didn't have to wait long to find out whom they would be facing in the tournament.  Right out of the gate Abington was selected to face undefeated (27-0) George Fox.
 
Abington has started to garner regional and national attention for their success this season, with head coach Stephanie Carideo and the team enjoying the ride.
 
"It's going to be an amazing experience for the program and the girls" said head coach Stephanie Carideo. "Some are just flying for the first time. Others, myself included have not been out to the west coast."
 
Their first experience in the NCAA tournament will be tough facing a historic program. George Fox is lead by head coach Michael Meek who has led the Bruins to multiple Sweet 16 and Elite Eights. In 2012 Meek won NCAA Division III National Coach of the Year and has taken the Bruins to a Final Four finish, as they finished as the runners-up in the national championship.
 
"With all of that said, we have gotten here through hard work and dedication, and that is what we will not lose sight of.  We are going out there to win games and continue on with our success"
 
If the Nittany Lions advance against George Fox they will face the winner of the University of Puget Sound and Claremont-Mudd-Scripps College.

The game will tip off at 10:00 p.m. EST with live stats and video available online at abingtonsports.com.