Oct. 11, 2016

COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina women’s soccer continued its historic climb up the NSCAA Top-25, earning the No. 2 ranking in the coaches’ poll that was released Tuesday afternoon.

The Gamecocks (13-0-1), who earned the program’s previous highest ranking (No. 4) last week, received six first-place votes in Tuesday’s poll. West Virginia (12-1-1) occupies the top spot, while Stanford (11-1-1), Duke (10-2-2) and Virginia (10-2-2) round out the top five. Three SEC schools are listed in the rankings, including No. 17 Florida. The Gamecocks host the Gators Sunday at Stone Stadium.

At 13-0-1, South Carolina has matched the best start to a season in school history. The Gamecocks, owners of the top winning percentage in Division I (.964), have won a program-record 13-straight matches. Carolina has trailed for just 85 seconds this season, and its 14-game unbeaten streak is one away from the school record. Two of its victories in 2016 have come against Top-25 foes, with wins against No. 6 Clemson (Sept. 3) and No. 11 Arkansas (Oct. 9).

Kickoff between the Gamecocks and Gators is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET, and the match will air on SEC Network. A victory this weekend would keep South Carolina (7-0-0 SEC) atop the league standings with three matches to play.