Wingate, N.C.----The 2016 NCAA Division II national champion Wingate University Bulldogs will begin their title defense Thursday, Aug. 31, 2017, opening the season at Pride Park. The three-time defending SAC champs will have nine home games in 2017, playing seven road contests during the regular season. Wingate has three matches against NCAA Tournament teams from 2016, while facing five teams who were ranked or received votes last season.