SPRING ARBOR, Mich. – The Spring Arbor University women’s soccer team is ranked No. 10 in the first regular season edition of the NAIA Women’s Soccer Coaches’ Top 25 Poll, announced by the national office on Tuesday.
Spring Arbor, which was ranked No. 8 in the preseason poll, is currently 6-2-1 overall with its only losses coming at No. 6 Benedictine College in double-overtime and No. 5 Martin Methodist. However, the Cougars also boast a pair of victories over Top 25 opponents, defeating No. 17 Siena Heights University and then-No. 11 The Master’s College, and earned a draw with the defending national champions and No. 1 ranked Lindsey Wilson College.
The Cougars are one of the most explosive attacking teams in the nation ranking second in the NAIA in assists (28), fourth in shots per game (24.0) and 15th in goals (26). Freshman Bethany Balcer has made an immediate impact with the team and not only leads the Crossroads League in every offensive category, but ranks fifth in the country in assists (6), sixth in points (24) and 11th in goals (9).
Sophomore Aubrey Schierbeek has picked up right where she left off after a tremendous freshman campaign and has recorded six goals and four assists while the league’s reigning Offensive Player of the Year Corrie Good has three goals and five assists.
Spring Arbor was one of four Crossroads League teams ranked or receiving votes in the latest poll. Joining the Cougars was Grace College at No. 8, Mount Vernon Nazarene University at No. 20 and Marian University, who sits just outside the Top 25 receiving votes.
Spring Arbor begins Crossroads League play at Huntington University (5-3-0) on Saturday, Sept. 26 at 2 p.m.