WILLIMANTIC, Conn. -- Dominating its way to a 4-0-0 start to the 2026 season for the first time since 2004, Eastern Connecticut State University Women's Soccer has been regionally ranked in the first IWSOC Division III Coaches Poll in Partnership with United Soccer Coaches, which came out this afternoon, tabbing the Warriors in the eighth spot.

Of the eight teams in the ranking, Eastern is one of four unbeaten teams, while Tufts University, Wesleyan University, and Williams College, who own the top three spots, are all unbeaten as well. That trio of schools is also nationally ranked, with Tufts ranking second, followed by Wesleyan in sixth, and Williams in 13th. Below those three teams rank Colby College, the 21st team in the nation, Bowdoin College, which is receiving national votes, Hamilton College, and Middlebury College.

To start the season, the Warriors have beaten St. Joseph's (LI) in dominant fashion, 5-1, before taking home a 2-0 victory against Mount Holyoke College in their home opener, followed by an 11-0 win against Mitchell College, and a 2-1 conference-opening victory this past weekend against Keene State College. The 20 total goals that Eastern has scored are also the most in program history through four matches.

The last time they were in the regional rankings, Eastern was listed 10th with a 6-2-0 record, a spot they stayed in for the following week when they were 7-3-0, before ending the season with an 11-7-0 record. First-year forward Emily McKelvey has been pacing the offense with six goals, while five more players for the Warriors have at least two goals, and the defense has allowed only two goals so far as well, while junior goalkeeper Alex Ignatowicz has allowed just one of those goals, holding a 3-0-0 record with 11 saves. 

Before returning home next Saturday, Eastern will head on the road for a non-conference matchup against Westfield State University in the middle of the week on Wednesday at 7:00 PM. The Warriors are 3-1-0 in their last four matchups with the Owls, defeating them last year at home, 1-0.