INDIANAPOLIS (Duhawks.com) - For the first time in league history, the Midwest Collegiate Volleyball League will have representation by two teams in the 2019 NCAA Championships. Fontbonne had its place secured after winning the automatic bid in Saturday's tournament championship, while Carthage had to wait to hear its name called as one of two at-large bids.

Carthage was selected as the host of the four-team pod which includes the Griffins along with MSOE and UC-Santa Cruz.

The Red Men return to the NCAA Tournament for the fifth time in program history and third time with an at-large bid. Carthage's inclusion in this year's field also marks the first time that the Red Men have made the NCAA Tournament in back-to-back seasons. The Banana Slugs of UC-Santa Cruz await Carthage in the first round. Friday's match is slated for a 4 p.m. first serve from inside Tarble Arena.

Fontbonne's appearance in the NCAA Championships is the first in program history and the first team since 2015 to do so. They'll meet No. 11 MSOE in the opening round who earned the automatic bid from the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference Tournament. The Raiders, who were formerly members of the MCVL, are 21-7 this season, which include a pair of wins over NCAA Tournament squad, UC-Santa Cruz. First serve between the Griffins and Raiders is set for 6:30 p.m.