IRVINE, Calif. – For the first time in the program's history, the Concordia University Irvine men's lacrosse team is playing in – AND hosting – a NCAA DII Tournament game!

CUI (11-6) will host the Flagler Saints (11-5) this Wednesday, May 6 at 4 p.m. PT at Golden Eagles Field.

It will be a historic opportunity for both lacrosse programs.

This development for the Golden Eagles was hatched after Concordia stunned their nemesis Colorado Mesa in the RMAC semifinal 13-12 in overtime and then proceeded to do the exact same thing to top-seeded Westminster. Two days later, CUI claimed its first RMAC Tournament Championship with a 12-11 overtime win last Sunday over the Griffins and secured an automatic bid in thrilling fashion.

Flagler also just won the Peach Belt Conference Tournament for the first time in their history. The Saints defeated Lander 15-11 in their semifinal and then proceeded to outlast No. 1 seed Montevallo 14-12 to clinch their automatic bid and hold up a conference banner.

Flagler is 6-1 in its last seven games down the stretch, with its lone loss coming on Senior Day by one goal to Montevallo. 

CLICK HERE for the updated Flagler men's lacrosse schedule

The Golden Eagles also got hot at the right time and bring a six-game winning streak into this match up.

Concordia had a major breakthrough in its regular season finale. The Green and Gold had a frantic fourth period comeback to top Colorado Mesa for the first time in program history after seven previous defeats. This helped give the Golden Eagles confidence the following week when they beat them again in that epic RMAC semifinal.

With 11 victories at this point, CUI has already set a school record for most wins in a season in the NCAA DII era.

Now the task at hand is to try and beat a talented Florida team for a chance to be one of the final 16 teams in the field.

CLICK HERE for the updated CUI men's lacrosse schedule

The winner will face the No. 1 seed in the south bracket – the Tampa Spartans – on Sunday, May 10 out in Flordia at 10 a.m. PT (1 p.m. ET).

For what its worth, CUI did gain valuable experience by playing Tampa earlier this season on the road and lost 17-7.  Flagler came up short in their tussle with Tampa too, but it was an 8-7 final decision back on Valentine's Day. 

The Saints also lost to Colorado Mesa by one when they faced off back on Saint Patrick's Day. CUI of course went 2-1 this year against the Mavericks.

The two schools have one other common opponent this season. CUI defeated No.15 Embry-Riddle during that three-game road trip to the Sunshine State. Flagler lost to Embry-Riddle by one in the opening portion of its schedule.

CLICK HERE for the NCAA DII Men's Lacrosse Bracket

CLICK HERE for NCAA DII Men's Lacrosse Tournament Central Page