SPRING ARBOR, Mich. – The Spring Arbor University women's soccer team is ranked No. 18 in the first-ever STADIONIC-NAIA Women's Soccer National Selection Committee Top 25 Poll, released Thursday by the national office.
The new poll marks a transition from the coaches' voting used earlier in the season to rankings determined by members of the NAIA Women's Soccer National Selection Committee. Committee members submit ballots using data including the Ranking Percentage Index (RPI), Area Rating Committee (ARC) standings, overall record, strength of schedule and conference record. Those same data points will be considered when the committee selects at-large teams and seeds the NAIA National Championship field in November.
Spring Arbor checks in at No. 18 with an 8-2-1 overall record. The Cougars were No. 16 in the final coaches' poll released Sept. 16.
The Cougars opened the season with five consecutive victories, including four straight shutouts. SAU has continued its strong play throughout the season, recording eight clean sheets through its first 11 matches.
Spring Arbor enters the weekend coming off back-to-back Crossroads League victories. After earning a 3-0 road win at Saint Francis, the Cougars returned home Wednesday and defeated Huntington 5-0.
Claire VanZanten recorded a hat trick against the Foresters as SAU established a new season-high for goals in a match.
The Crossroads League placed five teams inside the new Top 25. Indiana Wesleyan leads the group at No. 2, followed by No. 5 Grace, No. 7 Marian, No. 10 Taylor and No. 18 Spring Arbor.
Keiser remained atop the national rankings with five first-place votes. Indiana Wesleyan moved into the No. 2 position, while Benedictine, College of Idaho and Grace rounded out the top five.
The National Selection Committee poll and accompanying ARC standings will be released on a bi-weekly basis for the remainder of the 2026 season. The next rankings are scheduled to be released Wednesday, Oct. 14.
Spring Arbor faces another nationally ranked opponent Saturday, Oct. 3 when it travels to No. 10 Taylor University. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.
