SPRING ARBOR, Mich. - The Spring Arbor University women's soccer team climbed in the national rankings Wednesday, moving up two spots to No. 19 in the first regular-season edition of the STADIONIC NAIA Women's Soccer Coaches' Top 25 Poll.
The Cougars entered the season ranked No. 21 and were 3-0 when the latest poll was compiled. Spring Arbor added another victory Wednesday night, defeating Saint Xavier University 1-0 at the Cougar Soccer Complex to improve to 4-0.
SAU has yet to allow a goal this season, recording four consecutive shutouts to begin the year. The Cougars opened with a 1-0 road victory over Aquinas College before returning home for wins over Holy Cross College, Indiana University Northwest and Saint Xavier.
Spring Arbor has controlled play throughout the opening stretch. Through its first three matches, SAU owned an 81-5 advantage in shots and outscored its opponents 5-0. The Cougars continued that trend Wednesday against Saint Xavier, finishing with a 40-1 advantage in shots and a 20-0 edge in shots on goal.
Claire VanZanten has led the Spring Arbor attack with three goals and one assist through four matches. VanZanten scored twice in the Cougars' 2-0 win over Holy Cross and provided the game-winning goal in Wednesday's victory over Saint Xavier. She also assisted
Maddie Muilenburg's game-winner in the season opener at Aquinas.
Muilenburg,
Tessa Ponstein and
Ava Unger have also found the back of the net this season. Ponstein and Unger each recorded their first collegiate goals in SAU's 2-0 victory over Indiana Northwest.
Spring Arbor is one of five Crossroads League programs ranked inside the Top 25. Marian came in at No. 4, Indiana Wesleyan climbed six spots to No. 5, Grace moved up four positions to No. 8 and Taylor is ranked No. 17.
Spring Arbor (4-0-0) returns to action Saturday, Sept. 5 when it hosts Cornerstone University (3-0-0) at the Cougar Soccer Complex. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m.
