Women's Soccer Ranked 10th In Latest United Soccer Coaches East Region Poll

9/30/2019 4:20:00 PM

By: By Mike Miranto, Sr. Associate A.D. for External Operations & Communications

AMHERST, N.Y. - When the Daemen College women's soccer team takes the field on Saturday vs. the University of Bridgeport, they'll do so for the first time as a regionally-ranked team at the NCAA Division II level. The Wildcats broke into the United Soccer Coaches East Region poll out today at No. 10.

At 6-0-2, Daemen is off to the best start in the 20-year history of the program. Their 1-0 win last Saturday over regionally-ranked Mercy College (down one spot to No. 5 this week) extended their unbeaten streak to eight straight games, matching the longest such streak in program history. The last and only time Daemen went eight games without a loss came back in 2011, the program's final season as a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the American Mideast Conference. The Wildcats went on to finish 15-4 that season, setting a benchmark for wins in a season that has yet to be exceeded.

The Wildcats have been strong at both ends of the pitch so far this season, outscoring opponents 28-5. They presently rank second in goals scored per game (3.50) and goals allowed per game (0.59) among all East Coast Conference teams. Their +23 goal differential leads the conference.

Senior forward Jamie Boyar (Williamsville, N.Y.) has buoyed the Wildcat offense with 11 goals and 23 points. She currently shares the national lead for goals, and holds the outright national lead for game-winning goals with four.

Lindsay Ciaramella (St. George, Ont.) and Grace Stranahan (Grand Island, N.Y.) have been strong in the midfield. Ciaramella ranks 12th nationally with five assists, and Stranahan has already set career-highs for goals (4) and points (11).

Sam D'Agostino (Mississauga, Ont.) and Maddie Flores (Seattle, Wash.) have keyed the Daemen defense, D'Agostino from her center-back position and Flores from between the pipes. Flores is 5-0-2 in goal, and has posted an .894 save percentage with 42 total saves and three shutouts this season.

Daemen welcomes Bridgeport, the defending ECC and Division II national champions, to Karrer Field for an 11 a.m. kickoff Saturday.

UNITED SOCCER COACHES NCAA DIVISION II EAST REGION POLL - WEEK 4 - OCTOBER 1, 2019
1. St. Rose (6-0-1)
2. Pace (8-1-0)
3. Southern New Hampshire (5-2-0)
4. Stonehill (6-1-1)
5. Mercy (5-2-0)
6. Southern Connecticut State (4-2-1)
7. Adelphi (4-2-0)
8. Franklin Pierce (3-3-0)
9. St. Anselm (4-1-3)
10. DAEMEN (6-0-2)

Daemen College features the only NCAA Division II athletics program in the Buffalo-Niagara region, sponsoring 17 intercollegiate teams. For the latest information on Daemen Athletics, follow the Wildcats via social media on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram, or sign up to receive customizable news alerts, e-mail newsletters and weekly schedule alerts.

Print Friendly Version