Minnesota Duluth was ranked fifth in the first NCAA Division II Central Region rankings released Wednesday.
The Bulldogs (17-6) are the second-highest ranked NSIC team in the poll behind North Division leader Minnesota State-Moorhead at No. 4.
The winners of the NSIC tournament and the champions of the MIAA and the GAC receive automatic bids to the NCAAs, leaving five at-large bids chosen by the teams ranked highest following postseason tournament play. The NCAA selection show will be streamed online on Sunday, March 10 at 9 p.m. on NCAA.com.
UMD faces Minnesota-Crookston and Bemidji State this weekend at Romano Gymnasium to close out the regular season.