whether there is a new play in game or not. There was no play-in game this year because the Ivy didn't play this year and, thus, under the NCAA parameters there was no need for a play-in game.
And now that I look back at old tournaments, you are correct. It would return to the tournament from 2015 and 2016 when there were 2 play in games.
There must be at least as many at-large bids as automatic qualifiers. Next year, the ASUN will push the number of automatic qualifiers to 10. Two play-in games for AQ teams would reduce the number of AQ bids advancing to the first round to 8, equaling the number of at-large teams.
Alternatively, they could add two additional at-large bids and put in a First Four similar to basketball, but I don't see that happening.