INDIANAPOLIS – Off to its best start in school history, the Cal State Monterey Bay women's soccer team has made its debut in the first official NCAA Division II Regional Poll that was released Wednesday. The Otters, who own a 7-6 record, are ranked 10th alongside six other CCAA schools. 
 
“It's a huge honor for the program to be regionally ranked by the NCAA,” said Head Coach Erin Reinke. “The team has worked very hard to be where they are at and it's nice their hard work is being recognized. We are fortunate to be on the same regional ranking list with many experienced programs.”
 
The Otters are reaching new heights this season, surpassing the most wins overall (7) and in conference (4) in program history. With four games remaining in season, the young squad is making a push for a postseason appearance.
 
The CCAA division winners and the next two teams with the highest percentage of points earned will punch their tickets to the CCAA Championship Tournament, which is scheduled for Nov. 2-4 at Toro Stadium in Carson, Calif. Click here are the current CCAA standings.
 
North Division leader Sonoma State sits on top of the regional rankings with a 12-1-1 overall record.  Other CCAA schools represented in the regional poll are: No. 2 UC San Diego (10-1-2), No. 5 Cal Poly Pomona (7-4-2), No. 6 Cal State Stanislaus (12-2-0), No. 7 Cal State L.A. (6-4-4) and No. 9 Cal State San Bernardino (7-5-2).
 
To qualify for the NCAA postseason tournament, CSUMB will need to be ranked as one of the top six teams in the final regional poll, which will be unveiled, along with the NCAA tournament bracket, during a live selection show on NCAA.com on Nov. 5 at 4:30 p.m. Pacific Time.  The NCAA Women's Soccer Championship Committee will continue to release a new regional poll each week, up until the Nov. 5 selection show.
 
CSUMB will head to the Bay area to take on San Francisco State on Friday and Cal State East Bay on Sunday.  The following weekend, the Otters return for their final two regular season home matches to host Cal State San Bernardino (Friday) and No. 12 UC San Diego (Sunday). There will be special presentation prior to Sunday's match to honor the six seniors.