The history-making season for the University of Hawai'i women's soccer team will continue in Boulder, Colo., where UH plays Colorado Friday in the first round of its first appearance in the NCAA Tournament.

Also in the Boulder Region are second-seeded Portland and Denver.

"I think all of us are surprised because we expected to go somewhere in California," co-captain Jessica Domingo said. "I don't think any of us have ever been (to Colorado)."

The Rainbow Wahine (15-4-2) held a pizza party in the lobby of their hotel in Boise, Idaho, where they remained after the Western Athletic Conference Tournament. They defeated Fresno State, 1-0, Sunday at the WAC Championships to claim their first conference title and earn the automatic NCAA Tournament berth.

"It's still surreal," Domingo said. "We've just been doing a lot of waiting. We're just really excited."

Hawai'i coach Pinsoom Tenzing seconded Domingo's surprise at playing in Colorado.

"It's unchartered territory," he said. "We just need to enjoy it and do our very best. It will be an experience to remember if we play hard, win or lose. If we come out with a shoddy performance, it will ruin the experience a little bit. I'm proud of the kids; they have achieved a lot."

Colorado (9-7-4) earned an at-large berth. Denver (13-4-4) won the Sun Belt Conference; Portland (15-3-0) won the NCAA Championship in 2005.

The Rainbow Wahine waited 14 years to make their first NCAA Tournament. That felt like nothing compared to the wait time to hear who and where they would play. The announcement came live on ESPNEWs, following NFL, MLB, NASCAR and college basketball updates, a Colt Brennan brief, and two commercial breaks.

"It was very nerve-racking," Domingo said. "They just flash the teams up there and you have to search for your name.

"We didn't know the process, and of course they had to keep us until almost last."

NOTES: Regional winners advance to the third round, Nov. 23, 24, or 25. Quarterfinals will be played the following week. The College Cup is in College Station, Texas, Dec. 7 and 9. ... Hawai'i set a school record for wins in a season, winning eight of its last nine games. UH is ranked No. 13 in the Soccer Buzz West Region rankings. Portland is second in the national rankings. Denver is eighth and Colorado ninth in the Soccer Buzz Central Region rankings.

Reach Leila Wai at lwai@honoluluadvertiser.com.