WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. - After starting the season 0-3, the Monmouth University women's soccer team, winners of eight of its last nine, have entered the NSCAA Northeast Regional rankings as of October 11, as announced on Monday afternoon. The Hawks, ranked 10th in the region, are now 8-4 overall and 4-0 in Northeast Conference action.

"We are honored to be ranked within the region," stated head coach Krissy Turner. "The ranking has happened because of our results both at home and on the road. We are focused on improving each day in an effort to make our conference playoffs."

Also represented on the region's top-10 list is Boston University (t-2nd), which Monmouth defeated last season 2-1, Rutgers (t-8th), which the Hawks toppled 2-0 in an exhibition match earlier this year, and Seton Hall (t-8th), which defeated the Blue and White 1-0 in late August.

Monmouth, which has outscored its opposition 24-6 over the last nine games, has posted five shutouts, and registered a 0.66 goals against average during that span.

Monmouth, victors in five straight matches, has opened NEC play 4-0 for the first time since 1999, and has had nine different players score goals, led by Monique Plescia's six markers, Courtney Snyder's five tallies, and Dana Costello's four scores. In addition, 12 different Hawks have registered at least a point for the offense.

Freshman Jocelyn McCoy, who was named the NEC's Defensive Player of the Week for a second time on Monday, has led a goalkeeping corps that has allowed 11 goals on the season for a 0.91 team goals against average. McCoy currently leads the league in goals against average (0.60) and is second with an .852 save percentage. McCoy currently ranks 19th in the country in GAA, and 35th in save percentage.

Monmouth, which recently played four games in eight days, returns to action on Friday, when the Hawks travel to defending NEC Champion Saint Francis University for a 3:00 p.m. match in Loretto, Pa.