HOT
East Stroudsburg (+6)
The Warriors, who were not ranked two weeks ago, had the biggest jump in this week’s poll, moving up six spots to number 14 on the strength of six straight wins. That run included a big 16-10 win over Mercyhurst, powered by five goals from Chessie Rahmer and 22 saves by freshman goalie Tatyana Petteway. ESU, 11-2 overall and 7-1 in conference, now stands alone at the top of the PSAC standings with two weeks remaining in the league’s regular season.
Queens (N.C.) (+3)
Eight straight wins have powered the Royals to their highest ranking of the season. Queens has scored 20 goals or better in five of the eight wins during the streak. Queens faces its biggest test of the season Monday afternoon, hosting No. 2 Lindenwood.
Florida Southern (+0)
The defending champions have not moved from the number four perch that they have occupied for several weeks, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t one of the hottest teams in the country. The Mocs extended their winning streak to 13 games with two more victories this week, including an 18-5 pounding of previously No. 6 Rollins. The regular season concludes Saturday with a non-conference showdown at No. 7 Limestone.
NOT
West Chester (-6)
It seems like the Rams have been on a yo-yo all season, alternating between the “Hot” and “Not” list just about every week. Ranked as high as seventh at one point before dropping, WCU had won three straight and climbed back to No. 12 in the poll last week, but that run ended with a 13-12 loss to unranked Lock Haven last Wednesday. The good news: with a 6-2 conference record, the Rams are still in position to control their own destiny in the PSAC race.
Mercyhurst (-5)
The defending PSAC champs had a chance to solidify their hold on first place in the conference race, but were upended by East Stroudsburg on Saturday. Despite outshooting ESU, 39-26, the Lakers trailed by as many as nine goals in the second half before a late rally fell short.