Women’s Division I Top 25: Postseason surge

by ESNN

November 4, 2013

The women’s college soccer season officially began postseason play over the past week.

The MAAC, ACC, Atlantic Sun and Big South were among those that kicked off conference tournaments, leaving an impact on the TopDrawerSoccer.com Top 25.

In the ACC, No. 1 Virginia conceded an early goal against Maryland, but the Cavaliers roared back with six unanswered goals, extending their win streak to 20 with a 6-1 win in Charlottesville.

Hermann Trophy candidate Crystal Dunn found the back of the net for No. 3 North Carolina, and that was all the Tar Heels needed in a 1-0 quarterfinal win over Boston College. No. 4 Florida State downed Duke 2-0, and No. 6 Virginia Tech snatched a 2-1 victory against Notre Dame in overtime in the other ACC quarterfinals.

Also in the Top 5, No. 2 UCLA captured its 11th Pac-12 title, and first since 2008, thanks to a 2-0 victory over Oregon on Sunday. Forwards Taylor Smith and Kodi Lavusky both scored in the 2-0 win against the Ducks.

No. 5 Florida split the regular season SEC crown with No. 21 Texas A&M. The Gators blasted Georgia 5-1 on Thursday, while the Aggies secured the full points against LSU 3-2.

Needing a win on Friday, No. 17 Nebraska sewed up the Big Ten regular season title thanks to a 3-1 defeat of Indiana. Huskers, freshman Jaycie Johnson notched the game-winning goal, as they won their first Big Ten title since 2000.

Jumping into the Top 25 this week are Mississippi (No. 22), Washington State (No. 23) and Colorado College (No. 24).

Check out the complete Women’s DI Top 25.