SPOKANE, Wash. -- Whitworth University has been selected to compete in the 2007 NCAA Division III women's soccer tournament as an at-large participant. It is the first national tournament appearance in the history of the program.

The Pirates (17-2) will find out on Monday morning who and where they will play in the first round. Whitworth is one of 18 at-large (Pool C) teams selected to the 60 team tournament. The Bucs join NWC champion Puget Sound in the tournament.

"The women have worked hard over these past handful of years and for whatever reason just have not been able to push over the top," said Pirate head coach Sean Bushey. "This team deserves to be in the tournament because of their work and perseverance. I cannot express my joy for them to be able to experience the excitement of the NCAA's."

Bushey has accomplished quite a double this season, leading the Whitworth women to the NCAA tournament, along with the Pirate men who won their third Northwest Conference title in the last four seasons.

Whitworth set a school record for victories this season.