HOT
Limestone (no change)
The Saints didn’t climb from their No. 11 preseason perch, but they nevertheless enjoyed a good opening week with solid victories over North Greenville and Montevallo. Freshman midfielder Sarah Dudick made an impressive splash in her collegiate debut, tallying a team-high five goals in both of Limestone’s victories.
Tampa (no change)
The Spartans outscored visiting Alabama-Huntsville 11-0 in the second half to post a decisive 22-5 season-opening victory. Midfielders Sarah Hinkle and CeCe Colombo combined for eight goals to pace No. 11 Tampa, which welcomes No. 15 Grand Valley State on Sunday.
IN
Lander (No. 18)
The Bearcats, a third-year program, earn their first-ever appearance in the national ranking on the strength of a 3-0 start that included a 15-14 overtime win over Belmont Abbey. Tabbed to finish sixth in the Gulf South Conference coaches’ poll, Lander rallied from a nine-goal deficit in the fourth quarter to down Belmont, which was picked in the preseason to finish second in Conference Carolinas.
OUT
Mount Olive (was No. 18)
The Trojans, coming off their first NCAA tournament berth in 2021, suffered a 14-12 loss at home to unranked Embry-Riddle in last week’s season opener. UMO is the preseason pick by the league’s coaches to repeat as champion in Conference Carolinas but could not overcome 19 turnovers in its opening game loss.
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