The Ashland University women's soccer team climbed three spots to No. 11 in the latest United Soccer Coaches national poll released on Tuesday (Oct. 29) afternoon.
It is the highest ranking for the Eagles since they were No. 7 in the 2005 preseason poll.
The Eagles (12-1-1, 6-0 GLIAC) have won nine straight games and are unbeaten in their last 11 contests having outscored Michigan Tech and Northern Michigan, 9-1, on the weekend.
This is the third straight week the Eagles have featured in the rankings after coming in at No. 14 last week and debuting at No. 18 on Oct. 15.
It also sets up a crucial GLIAC matchup against No. 2 Grand Valley State on Friday at 7 p.m. at Ferguson Field. The Lakers (13-1, 6-0 GLIAC) and Eagles are tied atop the GLIAC standings.
Ashland is averaging 2.5 goals per game with 13 different players tallying a goal, led by redshirt-senior forward Deijah Swihart, who has eight on the year. She was named the GLIAC Offensive Player of the Week on Monday after scoring three goals and notching an assist last week as the Eagles beat Michigan Tech, 4-1, and Northern Michigan, 5-0.
The Eagles also have six shutouts this season and have a goals against average of 0.70. The back line is led by redshirt-senior center back Sydney Wright and sophomore center back Tori Baker, while junior keeper Hannah Lee leads the GLIAC in save percentage (.907). She has a 10-0-1 keeper record.
Ashland, under second-year head coach Taylor Clarke, is looking to earn its second straight NCAA Tournament bid.
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