KANSAS CITY, Mo. - After opening the 2017 season with a pair of quality wins, the LIU Post women's soccer team rose to No. 8 in the United Soccer Coaches' Association poll, released Tuesday.
 
This is the highest ranking for the Pioneers since Nov. 8, 2016 when LIU Post was slotted 14th in the NSCAA Division II Poll prior to the beginning of the NCAA Women's Soccer Championship.
 
The Pioneers, who check in at No. 18 in the preseason poll, defeated Southern Connecticut, 5-0, on Friday before beating Southern New Hampshire, 2-1, on Sunday.  The Penmen jumped into the poll at 24 this week. 
 
Erin O'Connor led the way over the weekend with six total points. The freshman from Setauket, N.Y., registered a goal and two assists in her collegiate debut before scoring a goal on two shots in the win over the Penmen.
 
Sophomore Julia Duffy chipped in two goals and an assist for five points on the weekend. The Oceanside, N.Y., native netted a pair of markers in the win over the Owls before assisting on the eventual game-winner against Southern New Hampshire.
 
The Pioneers return to the pitch on Wednesday, Sept. 7 when they host Nyack at Pioneer Soccer Park. The opening kick is slated for 4 p.m.
 
2017 United Soccer Coaches' Association Poll – Sept. 5
1. Western Washington
2. Columbus State
3. Kutztown
4. Central Missouri
5. West Florida
6. St. Edward's
7. Bellarmine
8. LIU Post
9. California-San Diego
10. Minnesota State-Mankato
11. Texas A&M-Commerce
12. Carson-Newman
13. Nova Southeastern
14. Grand Valley State
15. Adelphi
16. Seton Hill
17. Fort Hays State
18. Sonoma State
19. Mississippi College
20. Texas Woman's
21. Lenoir-Rhyne
22. West Virginia Wesleyan
23. Quincy
24. Southern New Hampshire
25. Lindenwood