SELINSGROVE, PA - Susquehanna University's women's soccer team is achieving recognition among the region's top Division III programs. Opening the season with a 7-1-0 record, the River Hawks have earned themselves the No. 8 spot in the latest IWSOC/United Soccer Coaches Region V poll rankings, released on September 22.  

The River Hawks began their season with their first 4-0 start in program victory, opening with a sound victory over Pitt-Greensburg Sept. 4, then a 2-1 come-from-behind win against Waynesburg the following evening. Their momentum carried over the following week, achieving another home victory defeating Penn State Harrisburg 4-1 and a 2-0 road win at DeSales. 

After a 2-0 loss to Misericordia in a weather-related makeup game, Susquehanna responded by adding three straight shutout victories to their young season. Last Wednesday they defeated Muhlenberg 1-0 thanks to a penalty kick by Ava Billmeyer, then a 2-0 victory at Notre Dame on Maryland and another 1-nil decision at Stevenson Wednesday night. The highlight from their most recent victory was the deciding goal that was scored nearly two minutes in thanks to a corner kick from Amelia Kopp and the header from Liv Baczor. 

The blend of scoring and defensive strength helped to put Susquehanna on the regional radar. Throughout the first eight games, the River Hawks have scored 16 goals, while allowing just four. So far Susquehanna has boasted two Landmark Athletes of the Week, the first coming from Kopp on offense and the other goalkeeper Katie Henchy on defense. Henchy and Billmeyer are the River Hawks' two returning All-Landmark selections frmo 2025. 

The regional ranking marks an important moment for the program as the River Hawks look to start conference play this upcoming weekend meeting defending Landmark champion Scranton, who were ranked sixth in the same poll.