The WNIT bracket is starting to leak, and Josh Kinder at the Mercury has reported the Wildcats' opening action. Akron was 22-8 this year, and 12-6 in the MAC. They lost in the MAC quarterfinals to Eastern Michigan, who is also in the WNIT field.

Northern Iowa, 17-14 and losers to eventual Valley champs Wichita State in the semifinals, meets 17-13 Missouri, the automatic qualifier from the SEC. Odds are that, with a win over Akron, the Wildcats would host the winner of that game; that won't be determined immediately, however.