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Illini Ranked First in Great Lakes Region
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Janet Rayfield's Illinois team has earned at least the #2 spot in the Great Lakes in four of the past five seasons.
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Sept. 7, 2010
Complete Great Lakes Region Poll
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - The University of Illinois women's soccer team earned the #1 ranking in the Great Lakes NCAA Regional Rankings as voted on by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America. Released on Tuesday, the current regional poll marks the first #1 ranking in program history.
"This team has set standards and goals for themselves which, if achieved, would mean new accomplishments for this program," said head coach Janet Rayfield of the Illini's expectations for 2010. "Getting the first top regional ranking is certainly a great start and one we will build on."
The Illini are three spots outside of the NSCAA Top-25 rankings with 55 total votes. Currently, Arizona State occupies 25th place with 83 votes while Minnesota and Auburn, each with 71 votes, occupy the spots between the Illini and Arizona State.
Previously, the Illinois has placed as high as second in the regional rankings during the 2006, 2008 and 2009 seasons. The Illini spent seven weeks at #2 during the 2006 season while being ranked second on Sept. 23 and Oct. 7 during the 2008 season. During 2009, Illinois ranked second for three consecutive weeks, earning the #2 spot in polls released on Aug. 25, Sept. 1 and Sept. 8.
The Orange and Blue will look to defend their ranking at the University of Cincinnati on Sept. 11 at 6 p.m.
