KANSAS CITY, Kan. — The Fort Lewis College women’s soccer team (13-2-3 overall, 10-2-2 in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference) dropped 15 spots to No. 23 in the tenth NCAA Division II poll of the season, released earlier today by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) and Continental Tire.

 

The Skyhawks, ranked No. 8 in the nation last week, lost at-then unranked Regis 1-0 last Sunday in Denver, losing the RMAC regular season championship to the Rangers in the process.

 

Three RMAC teams are ranked this week: No. 9 Colorado Mines (14-2-2, 10-2-2), No. 16 Regis (14-4-0, 11-3-0), and No. 23 Fort Lewis.

 

“We’re still focusing on the fact that the only thing that matters is what your number is at the end,” said fifth-year FLC head coach Damian Clarke. “Hopefully we can concentrate on the next game rather than worry about that.”

 

Fort Lewis opens RMAC postseason play at 3 p.m. tomorrow when it hosts New Mexico Highlands (10-7-1, 8-5-1) at Dirks Field in first round action.

 

Since this is an RMAC postseason event, no previously issued passes or tickets will be accepted and all spectators must purchase tickets at the gate. Cost is $10 for adults, $5 for students (age 13 through college, including FLC students) and senior citizens (age 65 and older), and $4 for children (ages 6-12). Children age five and younger are admitted free.

 

“It means a lot to these girls to try and win a trophy,” said Clarke of this week’s RMAC playoffs. “They’ve had a very good season and at the moment don’t really have anything to show for it. I think the girls will be hungry to try and win a few more games.”

 

Should FLC win tomorrow, they’d face Mines in the RMAC semifinals at 3:30 p.m. Friday on the Regis Match Pitch. The RMAC championship tilt is slated for 1 p.m. Sunday in Denver.

 

Additionally, the NCAA released its Division II statistical leaders today. Sophomore forward Emma Cannis ranks 19th in assists (nine).