Timberwolves Move Up To No. 9 In Latest USC Women's Soccer Regional Rankings
Full Division II United Soccer Coaches Regional Rankings
MIDLAND, MICH. - The Northwood women's soccer team moved to No. 9 in the latest United Soccer Coaches (USC) Midwest regional rankings released on Tuesday (October 10). It's the Timberwolves' (8-2-2, 7-0-1 G-MAC) second straight appearance in the poll.
The Midwest's top three stayed put with the No. 1 team nationally, Ashland (10-0-1), at No. 1. They are followed by Grand Valley State (7-1-3) right behind at No. 2, and Northern Michigan (7-1-3) at No. 3. Northwood continues to climb as an 8-0-1 mark over the last nine contests, including five shutouts and a 19-5 goal differential over that span continues to provide the power.
Northwood extended their current win streak to four with their fourth straight shutout victory on Saturday (October 7) 3-0 over Ursuline. NU's allowing .92 goals per contest this season - fourth-best the G-MAC. Senior defender, Hannah Jatczak earned defensive player of the week from the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) this week, Monday (October 9). It was her first career Athlete of the Week honor and the third honor for a women's soccer player this season.
The Timberwolves' next test is a road trip to Ohio Dominican on Thursday (October 12). Teams are scheduled for a 7:30 p.m. tilt with the Panthers in Columbus. In their previous matchup, the Timberwolves took down ODU, 2-0, in Midland on September 30.
The first official NCAA Midwest Regional Rankings will be rolled out later this season.
56 teams will qualify for this year's NCAA Tournament, with the top eight teams from the Midwest Region earning a berth. Postseason action of the NCAA tournament will begin on November 16-19 with the first and second rounds on 16 different campuses across the United States.
Teams will compete in three- or four-team sites in the first and second rounds. The two top-seeded teams in each region shall be offered the opportunity to host, provided minimum site selection criteria are met and a bid has been submitted.
The NCAA selection show is set for Monday, November 13 at 6:30 PM ET on NCAA.com
MIDWEST - POLL 6 - OCTOBER 10, 2023
| Rank | School | Prev | W-L-T |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ashland University | 1 | 10-0-1 |
| 2 | Grand Valley State University | 2 | 7-1-3 |
| 3 | Northern Michigan University | 3 | 7-1-3 |
| 4 | Maryville University of St. Louis | 4 | 8-2-2 |
| 5 | Saginaw Valley State University | 6 | 6-2-2 |
| 6 | Cedarville University | 5 | 8-3-1 |
| 7 | McKendree University | 8 | 7-1-3 |
| 8 | Drury University | 7 | 9-2-1 |
| 9 | Northwood University (Mich.) | 10 | 8-2-2 |
| 10 | Michigan Tech University | NR | 4-2-5 |