In an exciting start to the 2024 NCAA Women's Tournament, the First Four games are set to kick off tonight, featuring Sacred Heart vs. Presbyterian and Vanderbilt vs. Columbia. These matchups will determine the first round opponents for two of the tournament's top-seeded teams.

The battle between No. 16 seeds Sacred Heart and Presbyterian on Wednesday night will decide who will face off against the No. 1 overall seed, South Carolina. Sacred Heart, with an impressive 15-1 record and a Northeast Conference (NEC) championship win, will rely on sophomore guard Ny'Ceara Pryor, who has already made SHU history as the fastest player to reach 1,000 points. Presbyterian, overcoming a 17-14 season, secured their first-ever NCAA bid after clinching the Big South Conference Tournament. Led by sixth-year center Bryanna Brady and sophomore guard Tilda Sjökvist, the team hopes to extend their historic run by advancing to the field of 64.

The second game of the First Four features No. 12 seeds Vanderbilt and Columbia, who will battle for the opportunity to face Baylor in the first round. Vanderbilt, finishing with a respectable 22-7 record and securing a spot in the NCAA Tournament, will represent one of the eight Southeastern Conference (SEC) teams competing. This also highlights the strength of the SEC, as they are sending eight men's teams to the tournament as well. However, some argue that this might create an unfair advantage, as smaller schools that earned their bids through conference tournament wins may face a tougher path.

As the remaining teams gear up for their quest to be the last one standing on April 7, these First Four games will significantly narrow down the field to 64 teams. The excitement is palpable, as fans eagerly anticipate the thrilling matchups and thrilling moments that await. Stay tuned for more updates and coverage on the NCAA Women's Tournament as we witness the journey towards crowning a new champion.