Ashland University's women's soccer team continues to move up the Intercollegiate Women's Soccer Organization for Coaches (IWSOC) NCAA Division II Top 25 Coaches Poll, in partnership with United Soccer Coaches (USC).
 
In the latest IWSOC/USC poll, released on Tuesday (Sept. 29) afternoon, AU is in the No. 6 spot – not only a season-high, but the program's best ranking since ending the 2024 regular season at No. 3.
 
The Eagles sit at 7-1-2 overall, and in first place in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference at 5-0-1. They will begin October with a league game at Malone (3-4-2, 2-3-1) at 4 p.m. on Thursday (Oct. 1).
 
"We got tested last week, but I think it was good for us," said Ashland head coach Cayleb Paulino. "We're seeing different types of things every week with conference play, but I'm really happy with where we're at right now.
 
"It's another opportunity to challenge ourselves against a couple teams in the conference standings (this week), and we're looking forward to seeing what lies ahead."
 
Ashland continues to pace NCAA Division II in corner kicks per game at 8.60, and the Eagles are 10^th in the country in both goals-against average (0.30) and shutout percentage (tied, 80). Sophomore goalkeeper Izzy Ezzone is tied for seventh in D-II with six shutouts.
 
2026 ASHLAND UNIVERSITY WOMEN'S SOCCER IWSOC/USC RANKINGS: No. 22 (preseason), No. 11 (Sept. 1, 8 and 15), No. 7 (Sept. 22), No. 6 (Sept. 29).