By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

SALEM, Ore. -- The Willamette University women's soccer team advanced two positions up to #8 in the NCAA Division III West Region rankings released by United Soccer Coaches on Oct. 3. The Bearcats were ranked #10 a week ago before defeating Lewis & Clark College, 3-1, and Pacific University, 3-0.

So far this season the Bearcats are 5-2-1 against NCAA Division III opponets. Willamette is 7-2-1 overall and 4-2-0 in the Northwest Conference. The Bearcats will return to action on Saturday, Oct. 7 against University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington. Kickoff is scheduled for 12 p.m. (PDT).

Willamette was 3-2-1 in games against NCAA Division III opponents this season before the Bearcats added their victories over L&C and Pacific.

Hardin-Simmons University (Texas) remained #1 in the West Region after improving to 9-0-0 against NCAA Division III opponents. Trinity University (Texas) stayed at #2 with a 9-1-0 record. California Lutheran University advanced three spots from #6 up to #3 this week at 7-1-1. University of Texas-Dallas held its spot at #4 with a 9-1-0 mark, while University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (Texas) stayed at #5 with an 8-1-1 record.

Pacific Lutheran University slipped three spots to #6 at 7-2-0. Whitworth University moved up one spot to #7 with a 5-2-1 mark. Willamette followed at #8 with a matching 5-2-1 record. University of Redlands (Calif.) moved into the rankings at #9 with a 5-3-0 record. University of Puget Sound also joined the rankings, as the Loggers gained the #10 spot at 4-3-1.