Kansas City, Mo – Coming off its second win over a ranked opponent in program history last week, the Hofstra University women's soccer team jumped nine spots in the United Soccer Coaches poll to No. 14, its highest-ever ranking in the weekly top-25 poll.
 
Hofstra recently concluded a spectacular non-conference season following its 2-0 shutout of Princeton. The Pride finished its non-league slate with an 8-1 mark, with its lone setback of the season occurring on the road against No. 7 Penn State.
 
Hofstra is currently one of the hottest offensive forces in the nation, as the Pride is out-scoring opponents 26-4 this season while holding a 162-48 advantage in shot opportunities. Colonial Athletic Association Preseason Attacking Player of the Year Miri Taylor leads that potent offense, currently ranking second in the nation with 22 points on the season. Lucy Shepherd also ranks inside the top-25 in total points and is just behind Taylor with 17 on the season. Ellen Halseth and Georgia Brown are also major offensive threats, as each player has added 10 and eight points this season, respectively.
 
On the defensive end, Hofstra has recorded six shutouts this season and has posted a clean sheet in three-straight matches. Goalkeeper Skylar Kuzmich, who leads the conference in goals against average, has recorded five individual shutouts which is the second-highest total in the nation.
 
As a team, Hofstra ranks 11th in the country in total points (79), is 16th in total goals (26), and is 11th in shutout percentage (.889) among several other top-25 statistical rankings. 
 
In addition, Hofstra checked in at No. 10 in the initial NCAA Division I RPI this week.
 
Hofstra's previous highest ranking in program history was on November 2, 2010 when the Pride was ranked No. 18 in the NSCAA poll.
 
The Hofstra women's soccer team looks to extend its five-match winning streak and 22-match home unbeaten streak on Sunday, September 26 as the Pride opens up its CAA schedule against Towson at 1 p.m.