SPRING ARBOR, Mich. – The Spring Arbor University women's soccer team climbed seven spots to No. 11 in the latest STADIONIC-NAIA Women's Soccer National Selection Committee Top 25 Poll, released Wednesday, Oct. 14.
 
The Cougars, who were ranked No. 18 in the previous poll, entered the rankings with a 10-2-1 overall record and a 4-1 mark in Crossroads League play. Spring Arbor was among the biggest movers in the second National Selection Committee poll of the season.
 
Just hours after the rankings were released, Spring Arbor battled No. 2 Grace College to a scoreless draw at the Cougar Soccer Complex. The result moved SAU's record to 10-2-2 overall and 4-1-1 in conference play.
 
The Cougars held the Lancers to just four shots, including two on goal, while generating eight shots of their own. The draw extended Spring Arbor's unbeaten streak to five matches, all shutouts, as the Cougars have not surrendered a goal during that stretch.
 
Spring Arbor entered Wednesday's matchup riding a four-match winning streak, highlighted by a 3-0 road victory over then-No. 10 Taylor. The Cougars also recorded shutout wins over Saint Francis, Huntington and Mount Vernon Nazarene during the stretch, outscoring their opponents 14-0.
 
Claire VanZanten has helped lead the Cougar offense, scoring eight goals during the four-match winning streak, including back-to-back hat tricks against Huntington and Taylor. Her six-goal performance across those two matches earned her Crossroads League Offensive Player of the Week honors.
 
The Crossroads League is well represented in the latest national rankings, with five teams among the top 15. Grace climbed to No. 2, followed by Indiana Wesleyan at No. 3 and Marian at No. 5. Spring Arbor checked in at No. 11, while Taylor was ranked No. 14.
 
Keiser University (Fla.) retained the No. 1 position in the national poll.
 
Spring Arbor returns to action Saturday, Oct. 17, hosting No. 5 Marian University at the Cougar Soccer Complex. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m.