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OXFORD — Miami University volleyball coach Carolyn Condit had a good feeling about her team's chances of earning an at-large bid for the NCAA Tournament, but the selection committee made her sweat it out before confirming the good news.

The team didn't show up until near the end of the ESPNU selection show Sunday night, Nov. 30, earning the RedHawks the right to face Middle Tennessee State in a first-round game Friday in West Lafayette, Ind.

"I went up to Brick Street to watch the show because I can't get (ESPNU) on my cable system," Condit said. "I had a pretty good feeling until I saw (Ohio University) and then Western (Michigan). But then we came up and it was great."

The selection marked the first time in Mid-American Conference history that two league schools have earned at-large bids to the NCAA Tournament in any sport.

Miami will make its eighth NCAA appearance, and second in a row. Last year's team suffered a sweep at the hands of Michigan in the first round.

"I know we can make a better showing than last year," said Condit, whose RedHawks are 21-11, marking the highest victory total since the 1998 team won 27. That '98 squad also was the only team in school history to win an NCAA match, beating Nevada in Hawaii.

Miami will play this year's opener at 4 p.m. Friday on the Purdue campus against the Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders (26-7). The winner will face the Purdue-Louisville winner at 5 p.m.

"We've got most of the group from last year back, and they understand what it takes," Condit said. "If we can find the right team chemistry and the desire it takes, we'll be successful."

Four on the floor

Miami is one of four teams from Ohio in the NCAA Tournament, joining Cincinnati, Dayton and MAC Tournament winners Ohio. UC's roster features two local players in sophomore Julie Guenther (Badin) and freshman Natalie Peirce (Talawanda).

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2193 or jmorrison@coxohio.com.

NEXT GAME

What: NCAA Tournament first-round game between Miami University (21-11) and Middle Tennessee State (26-7)

When: 4 p.m. Friday

Where: West Lafayette, Ind.