Trojans Surge into Top 25 After Perfect Start

NAIA Women's Soccer Coaches' Top 25 Poll

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Taylor University women's soccer program earned its highest national ranking in seven years, checking in at No. 24 in Wednesday's NAIA Women's Soccer Coaches' Top 25 Poll after opening the season 7-0-0.

TU last appeared among the Top 25 on Oct. 25, 2023, and picked up its highest ranking since climbing to No. 18 on Oct. 2, 2018. They remain one of five unbeaten NAIA teams without a loss or draw heading into Wednesday's road match against No. 11 Aquinas.

After receiving 31 votes in the first regular season edition of the poll, the Trojans racked up 111 points to climb into the lastest rankings. TU is one of three previous RV teams to crack the Top 25, joining No. 22 Science and Arts and No. 23 Grace.

TU's offensive numbers have driven the early-season success. The Trojans rank third nationally in goals scored (33) and fifth in shots per game (26.0). They hold a commanding 100-18 advantage in shots on goal over opponents and have outpaced opponents 47-8 in corner kicks.

The defense has been equally effective. TU is tied for the national lead with five shutouts while allowing just 5.4 shots per game. Only two goals have been scored against the Trojans through seven matches, tied for fifth-fewest in the country.

Junior forward Eliza Luttrell was named the NAIA National Offensive Player of the Week following her 12-point performance in the previous two matches. She ranks fourth nationally with 21 points on eight goals and five assists.

TU's depth has been evident with 16 players recording at least one point and 14 different players scoring at least one goal.

The undefeated start marks the third time in five seasons TU won its first seven games, matching streaks from 2021 and 2022.