Arkansas Earning National Accolades
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The Razorback soccer team (9-1-0) is receiving national team and individual acclaim following a banner weekend that resulted in a second upset victory over a top-five opponent at home and tying the school record for best season start.
SEC Players of the Week
Junior defender Jessi Hartzler was named the Southeastern Conference’s Offensive Player of the Week (Sept. 12-18) for her role in the Razorbacks’ historic 2-1 win over No. 4 Florida on Friday, Sept. 16. Hartzler scored both Arkansas goals, securing the program’s first victory over the Gators in 20 years.
Her goal on Sunday in the Razorbacks’ 2-1 win against Lipscomb extended her scoring streak to three games. The Kearney, Missouri, native has now scored a goal in five of the Razorbacks’ 10 games so far this season. Hartzler’s career-high marks rank her second on the team in goals (5) and points (11) as well as fourth in shots (14) and shots on goal (7). She also leads the team in game-winning goals with three.
Senior goalkeeper Cameron Carter was named the SEC’s Defensive Player of the Week (Sept. 12-18) after earning eight saves against No. 4 Florida. The high-powered Gator offense, led by two-time SEC Offensive Player of the Year senior Savannah Jordan, entered the match with a league-leading 3.5 goals per game and ranked third nationally in scoring offense. Carter played a masterful role, limiting Florida to only one goal in the contest. Through 10 games and more than 866 minutes played, her goals allowed average is an impressive 1.00.
Rankings Watch
The NCAA released its latest Rating Percentage Index rankings on Monday that listed the Razorbacks at their highest mark in school history. Arkansas was ranked 13th in the country based on the team’s winning percentage and its opponents’ average winning percentage, among other factors.
Arkansas was joined by only three other SEC teams in the RPI top 25: South Carolina and Florida at No. 5 and 6, respectively, and Auburn at No. 21.
The RPI plays a role in the NCAA’s decision-making process to help select teams to participate in the NCAA Tournament. Arkansas earned an NCAA Tournament bid for the first time in school history in 2013, advancing to the Sweet 16. The Razorbacks would make it back-to-back Tournament selections the following year.
Arkansas’ highest RPI ranking in program history was 21st in 2013 before finishing ranked 39th in the nation.
TopDrawerSoccer.com also ranked Arkansas No. 13 in the country in a separate poll.
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