The St. Edward’s University women’s soccer team is currently ranked 13th in the nation, according to the NSCAA/Adidas Division II rankings, as of Tuesday, Oct. 6.

Last week the Hilltoppers were ranked 12th in the nation. Although the women’s soccer team has not recently lost a game, Franklin Pierce University accumulated one point more than the Hilltoppers, allowing them to jump St. Edward’s in the rankings.

The St. Edward’s women’s soccer team has been flying past its competition this season. Along with a national ranking, the team has won its fifth game in a row and has tallied eight wins total this season.

The Hilltoppers (8-1-1, 3-0) beat Newman University (4-5-2, 1-2 HC) 3-0 Sunday, Oct. 4, in Wichita, Kan. making it their third straight conference win.

“Our team has really unified and started the season off strong,” said junior forward Janea Averette. “We have started the conference off well and hope to continue our undefeated streak.”

Sophomore Jordan Ynostrosa scored the first goal 15 minutes into the game. In the 23rd minute, senior Kim Abbott scored her first goal of the season, and in the 24th minute of the game, sophomore Kelly Servage, assisted by Averett, scored the final goal of the game.

Sophomore goalkeeper Claire Tilton tallied six saves that game. The Hilltopper defense accumulated its seventh shutout of the season. The team was able to outshoot Newman 16-6.

“In several games, we have shown the ability to come together as a team to dominate other good teams,” Abbott said. “The next step is to play our best soccer consistently.”

The continued wins are proving how deep the talent is on the women’s soccer team, having two key starters still out with injuries, senior leading scorer Stacey Copeland and junior goalkeeper Troi Jorgensen.

“Each week, more players seem to step up and are playing really well, which has been key to our success, especially while we continue to battle injuries,” Abbott said.

This weekend, the Hilltoppers have two home games against Texas A&M International University Friday, Oct. 9, at 4 p.m. and #19 University of the Incarnate Word on Sunday, Oct. 11, at 1 p.m.

“We have two big games this weekend,” Averette said. “One against our biggest rivals, Incarnate Word. I know if we all come together, we can put these games away and continue towards our one dream.”