Charlottesville Regional: Who are Bryant, W&M, and ECU?

The Cavaliers found out today who will be coming to Charlottesville this weekend to play in the 9th NCAA Regional to be played at Davenport.

Bryant University, ECU, and William and Mary will be making the trip UVa. Let's take a quick look as to what these three teams are all about and how they got here.

William and Mary Tribe (29-29, 14-9 CAA) - #4 Seed
The Tribe were on the outside looking in at the start of last week. Then the CAA tournament started in Charleston, and they promptly lost their first game to host College of Charleston. They then proceeded to rattle off four straight victories, including two over UNC Wilmington on the final day to win the tournament and earn the CAA's automatic berth. UVa handled W&M pretty easily back in the beginning of March, 16-8, earning Coach O'Connor's 13 victory in 14 chances against the Tribe. They come in as the four seed and will play UVa in the first game on Friday.

East Carolina (34-21-1, 15-8-1 American) - #3 Seed
After finishing just a half game behind Tulane in the regular season, many thought the Pirates would be solid to make their second straight NCAA appearance. Then they went 0-2 in the American conference to make things interesting. Ultimately, their 36 RPI earned them the 3 seed in Charlottesville, a place they are all too familiar. The Pirates already played a series in Charlottesville earlier this year, taking two of three from the Hoos in February. This also won't be the first time the Pirates have played a regional in Charlottesville, having gone 2-2 in the 2011 Regional. Ultimately, UVa won that regional on their way to Omaha. ECU opens up play in the nightcap against Bryant.

Bryant (47-10, 26-4 NEC) - #2 Seed
After becoming Division 1 in 2009, Bryant is making their third NCAA appearance in four years. Most won't know much about the Bulldogs since they come from the NEC, but they've been hot the entire year, never losing two straight. They're also on a recent heater having won ten straight, including three straight to win the NEC tournament. They'll enter the weekend with the #28 RPI, and likely would have made the NCAA tournament even if they did not win the NEC tournament. That's pretty impressive for a team from the northeast and the NEC. This will be UVa's first (possible) matchup against Bryant.

We'll have more information on all the teams as the week progresses. Stay tuned for more.