Willamette Moves into West Region Rankings at #10

By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

SALEM, ORE. -- Willamette University has moved into the NCAA Division III Men's Soccer West Region Poll this week and is ranked #10. The Bearcats, 10-4-1 overall and 7-1-1 in the Northwest Conference, are 6-0-1 in their last seven matches. The poll was compiled by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA).

Trinity University (Texas) holds the #1 ranking in the West Region with an NCAA Division III record of 15-1. Colorado College is #2 and has achieved an 11-3-2 record within Division III. Pomona Pitzer (Calif.) is ranked #3 with a 9-3-1 record.

Whitworth University advanced one spot from #5 a week ago to #4 this week with a 10-1-2 record. University of Puget Sound slipped from #4 to #5 with a 10-3-2 record after tying Whitworth 1-1 this past weekend.

Hardin-Simmons University (Texas) has the #6 ranking with a 5-12 record, while University of California-Santa Cruz is #7 at 7-3-1. Occidental College (Calif.) is #8 at 10-5-0, with University of Texas-Dallas at #9 on the strength of a 7-4-2 record. Willamette at #10 is 8-4-1 against Division III opponents.

The Bearcats are tied with Puget Sound in the NWC standings. Both teams have 22 points. Whitworth is just two points behind the leaders with a 6-1-2 record and 20 points.

Willamette will play two road games this weekend. The Bearcats will take on Pacific Lutheran University in Parkland, Wash, on Saturday, Oct. 25 at 2:30 p.m. (PDT) and will play at Puget Sound on Sunday, Oct. 26, also at 2:30 p.m.