WINONA, Minn. – After picking up a pair of wins on the road in Michigan, the Winona State women's soccer team is now ranked 13
th by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America. The Warriors (2-0) move up from the unranked to the top-15 as they get ready to open up NSIC play against Upper Iowa tomorrow. The
#13 ranking makes Winona State the highest ranked team in the NSIC.
In the Central Region the Warriors rank second in the NSCAA Central Region. Central Missouri is ranked first in the region.
The Warriors will start their 2016 conference play Friday at Upper Iowa. The Warriors are coming from a road trip to Michigan that resulted in two victories over Michigan Tech and Northern Tech, the win over Northern Tech coming in OT.
The Warriors will host Ferris State for their home opener on Sunday. Winona State has faced the Bulldogs in two meetings previous, winning both.
STORYLINES
STARTING FAST: The Warriors have started the past two seasons with a pair of victories and each year the team would qualify for the NCAA Tournament.
Winona State has not lost a season opener since a 4-2 loss to Central Missouri. The Warriors rebounded that year to go 16-5 and reach the NSIC Championship match.
SAVING OLESON: Currently keeper
Rachel Oleson has a 0.72 GAA and 190 career saves. Those numbers rank her fifth and third respectively in each category in school history. In her career she has 23 shutouts.
SENIOR STAR POWER: The Warriors have just two seniors on the 2016 squad but both are key contributors to the WSU team. Last season both
Kenzie Rose and
Meg Riebau were named to all-region teams. Riebau had the match winner in overtime against Northern Michigan.
FRESHMAN PHENOM: Last season the Warriors were led by freshman
Abby Bohanski, who scored 11 goals in her first year in a WSU kit.
SCORING EARLY: Last year Winona State was able to score nine first half goals, outscoring their opponents by five in that category.
LOOKING AHEAD: After three straight road games to start the season Winona State will host Ferris State on Sept. 11 at noon. Last season Ferris State reached the GLIAC Tournament semifinals before falling to Ashland.
HOME SWEET HOME: In the last three seasons WSU is 26-3-3 in home matches.
By Anthony Resnick
