Women's DI Top 25: Crowning conf. champions

by ESNN

October 28, 2013

As the end of the regular season nears, the top teams in the country begin to lay claim on regular season conference titles.

While it’s not the coveted conference tournament championships that automatically book spots in the NCAA Tournament, regular season crowns are certainly an accomplishment to celebrate.

Especially if you happen to be Virginia. The No. 1 ranked team in the country extended its record to 18-0-0 with wins over Miami (FL) on Thursday, and a 1-0 overtime victory against Florida State on Sunday.

By winning its 12th game in ACC play, the Cavaliers also locked up the regular season ACC title, and the top seed in the upcoming conference tournament. Virginia has one game left on the regular season docket, a Halloween matchup with No. 5 Virginia Tech.

The Cavaliers weren’t the only side to secure conference honors from the TDS Top 25. No. 15 UCF claimed the first American Athletic Conference crown, sneaking past SMU 1-0. The victory pushed its record to 8-0-1 in the AAC, as the Knights continue to look strong as the postseason creeps closer.

Also officially cementing its status as top of the Big East was No. 18 Marquette. The Golden Eagles clinched first place in emphatic fashion, putting six past Providence on Sunday in a 6-0 win. Midfield general Maegan Kelly helped pave the way with two goals, as Marquette made it a perfect eight-for-eight so far in conference games.

While the weekend may not have ended the way would have liked for No. 15 West Virginia – losing 2-0 on Sunday at the hands of No. 7 Texas Tech – the Mountaineers did officially clinch the Big 12 regular season conference title thanks to their 2-1 overtime win Oklahoma on Thursday.

And although the SEC regular season title is still up for grabs, No. 6 Florida continued to look impressive. The Gators got the better of No. 24 Texas A&M on Sunday, extending their winning streak to five in a row. During that run, Florida hasn’t conceded a single goal, and are now tied with the Aggies atop the SEC standings.

Jumping back into the Top 25 this week is Louisville (No. 25).

Check out the full TDS Top 25 (plus others that received consideration): here.