INDIANA, Pa. – Following a top-five shutout victory and a double-overtime battle against another nationally ranked opponent, IUP field hockey moved up two spots to No. 7 in the latest NFHCA Division II Coaches Poll released Tuesday.
The Crimson Hawks were the biggest movers in this week's poll, climbing from No. 9 to No. 7 after splitting a pair of games against top-five opponents last week.
IUP battled No. 4 Shippensburg into double overtime on Wednesday before falling, 2-1, on the road. The Crimson Hawks responded Saturday with a 1-0 road victory over No. 5 Bloomsburg, with Sydney Schmouder scoring the game's lone goal and Kaelin Koehler posting a shutout in goal.
The victory marked IUP's second win over an NFHCA top-10 opponent this season. The Crimson Hawks are 2-2 against teams ranked inside the national top 10 and enter the week with an 8-3 overall record and a 2-1 mark in PSAC play.
IUP's move in the national rankings comes just hours before the Crimson Hawks begin a two-game homestand.
The Crimson Hawks welcome Mansfield to Indiana on Tuesday for a 7 p.m. matchup before hosting West Chester at 1 p.m. Saturday. IUP will recognize its senior class prior to Saturday's contest as part of Senior Day festivities.
