What Is 2017 WAC Women's Soccer Tournament

Overview

The 2017 WAC Women's Soccer Tournament marked the 17th annual postseason competition to determine the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) women's soccer champion. Held from November 1 to 5, 2017, the event featured six teams competing in a single-elimination format, culminating in Grand Canyon University claiming its first conference title.

This tournament was notable for Grand Canyon's breakthrough victory, as they had only recently transitioned to Division I athletics. The championship match drew strong attendance and media attention, highlighting the growing competitiveness of WAC women's soccer at the collegiate level.

• Grand Canyon University won the tournament for the first time in program history, defeating Seattle University 2–1 in the final.
• The tournament was hosted entirely at GCU Stadium in Phoenix, Arizona, providing the top seed with home-field advantage.
• Six teams qualified based on regular-season standings, with seeds determined by conference win-loss records.
• First-round matches were played on November 1, followed by semifinals on November 3, and the final on November 5.
• The WAC has sponsored women's soccer since 2000, and the 2017 edition was the 17th iteration of the postseason championship.

How It Works

The WAC Women's Soccer Tournament follows a structured single-elimination format based on regular-season performance. Teams earn seeding through conference match outcomes, with higher seeds hosting games to reward better performance.

• Format: The tournament uses a single-elimination bracket with six teams; the top two seeds receive byes to the semifinals.
• Qualification: Only teams in the WAC conference are eligible, with the top six based on regular-season points advancing.
• Seeding: Teams are seeded 1–6 using WAC standings; tiebreakers include head-to-head results and goal differential.
• Hosting: Higher seeds host each round, ensuring Grand Canyon hosted all matches in 2017 as the No. 1 seed.
• Championship Match: The final determines the WAC's automatic qualifier for the NCAA Division I Women's Soccer Championship.
• NCAA Berth: The tournament winner earns the WAC's automatic bid to the NCAA tournament, a key incentive for teams.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2017 WAC Women's Soccer Tournament with recent editions in terms of participants, host sites, and outcomes.

The 2017 tournament stood out as Grand Canyon broke Seattle University's dominance, which had included three titles since 2013. Unlike previous years where Seattle hosted, 2017 marked the first time Grand Canyon hosted the entire event, contributing to their home-field advantage. The close final score mirrored past championships, underscoring the competitive balance in the WAC.

Why It Matters

The 2017 WAC Women's Soccer Tournament was a pivotal moment in the conference's athletic history, symbolizing shifting power dynamics and the rise of new programs. Its outcome had lasting implications for team recognition, NCAA tournament access, and conference prestige.

• Grand Canyon's victory marked their first WAC title, validating their investment in Division I athletics.
• The win earned Grand Canyon an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, increasing national exposure.
• Defeating Seattle University ended their streak of two consecutive titles and disrupted conference dominance.
• Hosting the tournament at GCU Stadium demonstrated strong fan support and infrastructure development.
• The event highlighted growing parity in the WAC, with multiple teams capable of winning.
• Media coverage and attendance rose, reflecting increased interest in women's collegiate soccer in the region.

The 2017 championship not only crowned a new champion but also signaled the expanding competitiveness and visibility of women's soccer within the WAC, setting the stage for future growth and investment.