The Lee women’s soccer team became the second program to be ranked in the top 10 in NCAA Division II this week when the NSCAA listed the Lady Flames as No. 6 in its weekly rankings. Lee moved up seven places from No. 13 after a 5-1 win at Shorter University on Sunday.
The men’s golf team was the first to be ranked in a top 10 poll last season.
Grand Valley State continues to hold down the No.
1 spot, followed by the University of Central Missouri, Colorado School of Mines, East Stroudsburg University and Stonehill College.
“It’s very nice to break into the top 10,” admitted Lee second-year coach Chris Hennessey. “However, we know there is a lot of soccer left and it’s very important we stay focused ahead of a tough (Gulf South Conference) road trip to Christian Brother’s (Friday) and Union this weekend (Sunday).”
West Florida (4-0, 6-2) joins the Lady Flames (2-0, 5-1-1) in putting together five-straight wins and Hennessey is trying to keep his squad from looking past Christian Brother, Union and Spring Hill before a showdown with West Florida on Oct. 9 at the Lee Soccer Field.
West Florida has outscored opponents over the five-game span 17-1, while their last four victories have been shutouts. The Argonauts have a big week as they take on No. 13 Columbus State on Wednesday and have a date with the defending GSC Tournament Champion, North Alabama, on Sunday.
The Lady Flames have outscored foes 16-2 during their streak with three clean sheets. Defense has been a key for Hennessey’s team, allowing only three goals over seven games. Goal keepers Haley Gribler and Erin Olson have turned in solid efforts, but Katie Cloud, Kaela Leskovar, Kinsey Cichowitz and Meagan Newman have all played key roles.
Lee’s Summer Lanter notched a hat trick this past week against Shorter and is now leading the GSC with an average of a goal-per-game, while McKenzie Bricker and Mia Hollingsworth continue to keep pressure on the opponents.
Also receiving votes: Kutztown University (7), Bemidji State University (1), Central Washington University (1)