Northwest Missouri State soccer broke into the national rankings thanks to a torrid start to the MIAA slate.
The Bearcats are No. 24 in the latest United Soccer Coaches Poll. It marks the first time in program history that Northwest has been ranked nationally. They also currently sit at No. 3 in the United Soccer Coaches Central Region rankings.
"It's really cool," sophomore Lillie Shaw said. "We started off the season without a strong winning streak, so to be in this position in conference has been kind of refreshing and reassuring to what this team can do."
The 'Cats are 3-0 in MIAA for the first time ever, and have not allowed a goal in conference play yet this season.
Lily Ellis was named MIAA Goalkeeper of the Week after posting her third straight shutout, and Makenna West was the conference's offensive player of the week after notching a pair of game-winning goals against Central Oklahoma and Newman.
Northwest, at 6-2 overall, has won four straight dating to a non-conference match against Southwest Baptist in mid-September. The Bearcats will face No. 9 Central Missouri Friday in Warrensburg.
