Texas Tech University Athletics
Soccer Moves Up To No. 15 In NSCAA Rankings
August 30, 2016 | Women's Soccer
The Red Raiders climbs another spot in the rankings this week.
LUBBOCK, Texas – The Texas Tech soccer team jumped again to No. 15 in the latest National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) rankings, the league announced today.
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It marks back-to-back weeks the Red Raiders have improved their spot in the poll, moving up from No. 16 last week and No. 19 in the preseason rankings on Aug. 2. It is also the 17th-straight week Tech has been in the top-25 of the poll.
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After two weeks of competition, the Red Raiders have put together a 3-0-1 record, picking up a 2-2 draw with Arizona on Aug. 26, and a 2-0 victory over Northeastern on Aug. 28.
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Freshman forward Jade King kicked off the scoring for Tech against the Wildcats, after a free kick from junior defender Rebekah O'Brien split the field and found King, who buried it to tie the match at one. With the Red Raiders down one in the 89th minute, O'Brien floated a strike top-shelf and over the outstretched hands of the goalkeeper to send the match to overtime, where it would result in a draw. It was the first career goal for O'Brien.
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Two nights later, two more Red Raiders would notch their first goals of their careers. Junior forward Natalie Schmutz netted the first of the game after the ball ricocheted off the crossbar and to her from freshman midfielder Jordie Harr's shot. Sixteen minutes later, King found redshirt freshman Gabbie Puente, who lifted one over the keeper to put the Huskies away.
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The shutout win over Northeastern also improved senior goalkeeper Lauren Watson's career total to 21.5. She now sits 7.5 away from the all-time lead at Texas Tech.
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The No. 15 Red Raiders will have their first ranked test of the 2016 season on Friday, Sept. 2, when they host No. 19 California (3-1-0) at 7 p.m. at the John Walker Soccer Complex. Sunday, Sept. 4, Tech will take on Abilene Christian at 1 p.m. in Lubbock.
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It marks back-to-back weeks the Red Raiders have improved their spot in the poll, moving up from No. 16 last week and No. 19 in the preseason rankings on Aug. 2. It is also the 17th-straight week Tech has been in the top-25 of the poll.
Â
After two weeks of competition, the Red Raiders have put together a 3-0-1 record, picking up a 2-2 draw with Arizona on Aug. 26, and a 2-0 victory over Northeastern on Aug. 28.
Â
Freshman forward Jade King kicked off the scoring for Tech against the Wildcats, after a free kick from junior defender Rebekah O'Brien split the field and found King, who buried it to tie the match at one. With the Red Raiders down one in the 89th minute, O'Brien floated a strike top-shelf and over the outstretched hands of the goalkeeper to send the match to overtime, where it would result in a draw. It was the first career goal for O'Brien.
Â
Two nights later, two more Red Raiders would notch their first goals of their careers. Junior forward Natalie Schmutz netted the first of the game after the ball ricocheted off the crossbar and to her from freshman midfielder Jordie Harr's shot. Sixteen minutes later, King found redshirt freshman Gabbie Puente, who lifted one over the keeper to put the Huskies away.
Â
The shutout win over Northeastern also improved senior goalkeeper Lauren Watson's career total to 21.5. She now sits 7.5 away from the all-time lead at Texas Tech.
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The No. 15 Red Raiders will have their first ranked test of the 2016 season on Friday, Sept. 2, when they host No. 19 California (3-1-0) at 7 p.m. at the John Walker Soccer Complex. Sunday, Sept. 4, Tech will take on Abilene Christian at 1 p.m. in Lubbock.
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Players Mentioned
Midfield
/ Women's Soccer
Forward
/ Women's Soccer
Defender
/ Women's Soccer
Defender/Midfielder
/ Women's Soccer
Forward
/ Women's Soccer
Goalkeeper
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