The road to the Elite Eight is a tough one.

Just ask the Emporia State women’s basketball team, who after three straight regional wins made it to the Elite Eight for only the fifth time in school history and to the Final Four for the first time since 1999.

In a system where hundreds of teams are given the opportunity to compete in Division II basketball, only 64 are accepted into the postseason tournament. Already the odds are against even an above average team. The MIAA was fortunate to even get two women’s teams into the big dance.

Once a team receives a bid to participate in the tournament, the real test begins. This is a test unlike any other o the season: win six consecutive games against the best competition in the country, or go home empty handed.

Needless to say, the stakes are high.

This group of Hornets have made the stakes even higher by making it to the Elite Eight in St. Joseph, Mo. To the average sport spectator, the Elite Eight might not sound like a big deal, but nothing could be further from the truth.

Although we are all tuned to infinite talks of “Final Four this” and “Final Four that,” Division II sets its final stage with eight teams left in the field to battle it out for supremacy.

Emporia State’s side of the bracket has already proven to be as competitive as ever. After a hard fought victory over #3 Michigan Tech, the Hornets find themselves matching up with Gannon University, the #1 team in the nation with an undefeated record.

No one said it was going to be easy.

For the Hornets though, among other things, there is one circumstance that plays to their advantage: location. Having the Elite Eight in St. Joe is a blessing in disguise for the Hornets, as the distance St. Joseph and Emporia is miniscule in comparison with some of the other teams who are still playing.

This is important for a few reasons. First and foremost, the shorter traveling distance makes a relatively easier trip for the team, which allows them to be better rested, in most instances. The closer destination is also imperative for any sort of semblance of a fan base to make the trip – once again, in most cases.

The Emporia faithful have already come out in full swing for the first game of the week, ready and willing to support their team in a time of need.

The fans really have every reason to come out and support this team. The Hornets had a successful regular season that was really only hampered by a last-game loss to rival Washburn. Even after a disappointing performance at the MIAA Tournament, this team still bounced back and won four straight games over tough opponents to get where they are today.

The occasion is one that will surely be remembered, not only by the athletes and coaches, but by the supporters as well.

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