NORTH DARTMOUTH, Mass. – The Eastern Connecticut State University women’s soccer team joined intra-state rival Western Connecticut State University in the latest edition of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Division III New England Regional rankings. The Warriors debut at No. 10, while the Colonials slip two spots to No. 3.

Eastern Connecticut (2-1-0) is making its first appearance in the regional rankings since Sept. 25, 2007, when the Warriors also held down the 10th spot. Head Coach Chris D’Ambrosio led his charges to two shutout victories to open the campaign. Eastern Connecticut posted a 2-0 victory over the Valiants on Sept. 2, while blanking the Pioneers by the same score three days later. The Warriors suffered their first setback at Springfield College—the fourth-ranked club in New England—in the championship round of the Springfield College Invitational this past weekend. Junior goalkeeper Kim Church (Farmington, Conn.) held the opposition scoreless for the opening 137 minutes and 58 seconds of the season. Eastern Connecticut returns to action at 1 p.m. on Sept. 13, when the Warriors host Coast Guard Academy.

Under the direction of Head Coach Joe Mingachos, Western Connecticut (1-1-0) is currently ranked No. 18 in the national NSCAA survey. The Colonials have ranked among the nation’s elite clubs in 16 of the past 17 standings. Western Connecticut opened the 2008 slate with a decisive, 3-0, win against WPI on Sept. 2. Junior midfielder Nicole Sieber (Newtown, Conn.) led the offensive attack against the Engineers with three points—a goal and an assist. Four days later, the Colonials were edged by No. 14 Wheaton College (Mass.) on the road, 1-0. Western Connecticut will host Husson University at 12 p.m. on Sept. 13 as the Colonials look to get back to their winning ways.

The fourth edition of the NCSAA Division III New England rankings will be released on Tuesday, Sept. 16.