Soccer | 10/12/2026 2:21:00 PM
DENTON, Texas (Oct. 12, 2026) - The Texas Woman's soccer team made program history Monday, earning the No. 8 national ranking in the inaugural NCAA Division II Women's Soccer Power Index (NPI) rankings.
The Pioneers are 13-1 overall and rank third in the South Central Region, behind No. 1 Dallas Baptist and No. 7 Midwestern State.
The No. 8 ranking marks the highest national ranking in program history. TWU previously reached a program-best No. 12 in the United Soccer Coaches NCAA Division II Top 25 Coaches Poll earlier this season.
The Pioneers have excelled on both ends of the field, scoring 33 goals while allowing just two through 14 matches. TWU has recorded 12 shutouts and outshot their opponents 254-69, building a 33-2 advantage in goals. The Pioneers average 2.36 goals per match while allowing just 0.14.
Individually, freshman Lauren Wade leads TWU with eight goals, including five game-winning goals. Giselle Gutierrez ranks second on the team with four goals and leads the Pioneers with five assists. Bri Luna has added three goals and four assists.
The NCAA Power Index evaluates teams based on game results and strength of opponents. Although the NPI provides a national ranking, NCAA Division II will continue to select teams for the NCAA Championship by region.
In the South Central Region, Dallas Baptist leads the rankings, followed by Midwestern State and TWU. No. 22 Regis, UCCS, Colorado School of Mines, Black Hills State, Colorado Mesa, Fort Lewis and Lubbock Christian round out the regional top 10.
The regional rankings carry significant postseason implications. Teams from the Lone Star Conference and Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference will continue competing for postseason opportunities as the regular season progresses.
TWU's position among the region's top three teams puts the Pioneers in contention as they pursue an NCAA Championship berth. With key matches remaining, each result could influence the regional picture as the postseason approaches.
The Pioneers will have an opportunity to strengthen their position Wednesday, Oct. 14, when they travel to face undefeated, nationally No. 1-ranked Dallas Baptist at 7 p.m. in Dallas. DBU also leads the South Central Region, setting up a top three matchup between the two teams.
TWU returns home Saturday, Oct. 17, to host UT Dallas at 6 p.m. at Pioneer Soccer Park.
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