LOWELL, MA (Aug. 29, 2007) – The UMass Lowell men’s soccer team, fresh off a 3-2 victory over Dowling College Saturday, ascended to No. 3 in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Division II Coaches Poll, released Tuesday.

The UML women, who went 2-0 at the Holy Family Classic last weekend, moved from No. 24 in the preseason poll to No. 19.

For the men, the ranking marks the highest perch ever. Over the course of the 2004 season, UML reached No. 5.

The River Hawks (1-0) opened the season Saturday with the win over Dowling, the defending NCAA Division II champion and No. 1 team in the NSCAA preseason poll. UML was also buoyed by the University of Bridgeport’s victories over No. 16 Southern Connecticut (then No. 6) and No. 24 Franklin Pierce (then No. 9) over the weekend. UB is currently No. 17.

The loss was Dowling’s first in the regular season since they suffered a loss to C.W. Post midway thought he 2005 season. The Golden Lions slipped to No. 12 this week.

The UML men are No. 1 in the NSCAA New England Region Poll and host Dominican College Wednesday (4:00). The Chargers (0-0-2) opened the season at No. 24, but slipped out of the poll this week due to draws with Saint Anselm (2-2) and Southern New Hampshire (0-0).

The River Hawk women, ranked No. 3 in the New England Region Poll, enjoyed victories over Philadelphia University (1-0) and Holy Family (6-1) at the Holy Family Classic last weekend.

On Saturday, UML faces the University of Bridgeport (2:00) and No. 21 New Haven (12:00) Friday and Monday in the Southern New Hampshire Classic in Manchester, NH.