West Virginia daily

The Friars, who last appeared in the NCAA Tournament in 1983 (2-0 loss to UConn), have had an incredible season. The Friars have posted a 6-3-9 mark and have recorded one of the most improved records in NCAA history. Last season, PC finished with a 0-16 record. They are 9.5 games better than last season, which is tied for the 10th best turnaround in NCAA history. In league play, the Friars finished sixth in the BIG EAST Blue Division (3-3-4) and advanced to the BIG EAST Semifinals where they tied 16th-ranked South Florida in double overtime. South Florida advanced to the finals as they won the penalty kick shootout (3-2).

Friday's game will mark the first meeting ever between Providence and Hofstra. Hofstra, which won the Colonial Athletic Association Tournament with a 1-0 win over Old Dominion on November 13, has posted a 14-4-3 mark this season. The Pride recorded a 7-2-2 mark in league play and finished in second place.

Providence is one of seven BIG EAST teams selected to the Tournament (St. John's, West Virginia, Connecticut, South Florida, Notre Dame and Seton Hall). In addition to facing all six BIG EAST teams this season, other teams selected to the Tournament that Providence played were Brown, Rhode Island and Yale. The Friars have recorded a 0-3-7 mark this season against teams in the NCAA Tournament. All three of the Friar losses this season were to teams that earned a berth in the field of 48 (Connecticut, West Virginia and Notre Dame).

Tickets will go on sale Tuesday morning, and can be purchased by calling the Hofstra Box Office at 516-463-TIXX. Tickets will be $10 for adults and $8 for students/senior citizens.

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