April 03, 2008

Eagles move up one spot in regional poll

EVANSVILLE, Ind.—The University of Southern Indiana moved up one spot to fourth in the latest NCAA Division II Great Lakes Region Poll.

USI (20-14, 7-3 GLVC), which defeated Rockhurst University, 7-3 and 3-2, yesterday, has won eight of its last 10 games and are 16-6 since starting the season with a 4-8 record.

From the GLVC, Lewis University and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville were ranked second and third, respectively, while Missouri University of Science and Technology was eighth and the University of Indianapolis was ninth.

Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference members Saginaw Valley State University and Grand Valley State University were third and fifth, respectively, while Wayne State University and Ferris State University were ranked sixth and 10th, respectively. The West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference's West Virginia Wesleyan College was seventh in this week's rankings.

The Screaming Eagles, who are currently third in the GLVC standings, are slated to host Bellarmine University Saturday and Northern Kentucky University Sunday. Both GLVC doubleheaders are slated for noon starts.

Head Coach Sue Kunkle needs just two wins to match former Head Coach Beth Watson's all-time school-record of 206 wins, while senior leftfielder Kathy Wood (Lynnville, Indiana) is looking to add onto her team-best 13-game hitting streak.

NCAA II Great Lakes Region Polls (April 2, 2008)
1. Lewis
2. SIU Edwardsville
3. Saginaw Valley State
4. Southern Indiana
5. Grand Valley State
6. Wayne State
7. West Virginia Wesleyan
8. Missouri S&T
9. Indianapolis
10. Ferris State

Dan McDonnell,
USI Sports Information