Women's Soccer moves up; Rutgers at No. 15

The Rutgers Women’s Soccer team moved up to No. 15 in the country in the latest United Soccer Coaches rankings. Which makes the Knights the third highest ranked Big Ten squad in the poll.

Penn State is the highest ranked team at No. 9 with Nebraska a spot above RU at 14. Rutgers is also ranked No. 20 by Soccer America and is receiving votes by TopDrawerSoccer.com.

The Knights moved up six spots in the USC poll off of their two shutout victories to open the season. Rutgers topped Loyola Marymount, 3-0 and Monmouth, 4-0.

Polls

Other ranked Big Ten schools: Northwestern (22), Michigan (23).

Receiving votes: Ohio State, Minnesota,

United Soccer Coaches Rankings | Soccer America Rankings | TopDrawerSoccer.com Rankings

Big Ten Players of the Week

Despite Rutgers fast start, no Knights were named to the Big Ten’s honor roll for women’s soccer.

Offensive Player of the Week

Marissa Sheva, Penn State, M – Jr.

• Posted her first career two-goal outing to lead No. 3 Penn State to a 3-1 win over No. 8/12 BYU in Friday’s season opener

• Also helped Nittany Lions defeat Hofstra, 3-0, to cap an unblemished opening weekend

• Earns her first career Offensive Player of the Week award

As a point of information, Rutgers’ sophomore forward Carina Hendley also scored two goals this week.

Defensive Player of the Week

Brooke Cilley, Michigan, D – So.

• Anchored a Michigan defense that shut out Washington (2-0) and Idaho State (4-0)

• Recorded four assists last week from her backline position, including three assists against ISU, the fourth three-assist game for a Wolverine in program history and first since Aug. 26, 2011 (Christina Murillo vs. Duquesne)

• Earns her first career Defensive Player of the Week honor

Co-Freshmen of the Week

Sarah Stratigakis, Michigan, M

• Opened her college scoring account with a goal in each of her first two contests as Michigan began its season last weekend with wins over Washington and Idaho State

• Netted the Wolverines’ first goal of the season in Friday’s win over Washington, scoring 7:16 into the game

Madi Kennel, Northwestern, M

• Scored twice to pace No. 23/20 Northwestern to a 3-0 win at Illinois State on Sunday after helping the Wildcats open their season with a 1-0 home win over DePaul

• Her first college goal came less than 10 minutes into the second half before she added an insurance goal in the 78^th minute

Upcoming schedule

The Knights have a good early season test this Sunday as the Connecticut comes to Yurcak Field for a 1:00 pm tilt. The Huskies are ranked No. 21 in the United Soccer Coaches poll, coming off a 1-1 season opening tie with Syracuse.

And ICYMI.....

Jerry Carino of the Asbury Park Press did a piece on the best athlete at Rutgers (in his notable opinion). No, it isn’t a football or basketball player. Or even a wrestler. Stay right in the sport you’re reading about now.

To catch up on our season preview, which includes quotes from coach Mike O’Neill, Murphy, and Colby Ciarrocca, click here.