TAYLORSVILLE, Utah (September 11, 2018) - The Salt Lake Community College women's soccer program is nationally-ranked for the first time in program history.

The Bruins were ranked at No. 15 in the latest NJCAA national rankings, marking the first time the program has even been nationally-ranked or even received votes. With the men's soccer program also currently being ranked, this marks the first time both SLCC Soccer programs are earning national attention from NJCAA voters. Scenic West rival Snow College is currently ranked at No. 8 in the polls. 

The national rankings help to soften what was a rather interesting week for the Bruins. SLCC thought it was opening Scenic West Athletic Conference play last week against Colorado Northwestern. However, right before the league season started, CNCC announced they wouldn't field a team, meaning the Bruins wouldn't be able to start the league season at the time they had planned. Nonetheless, Salt Lake will open its league season this weekend, taking a 5-0 record into a series of home matches with USU Eastern.

"Our season started off exactly the way we planned, with our players growing and developing in a very positive manner," said SLCC coach Mark Davis. "Now, after a bit of a layoff, it's on our players to continue to prepare in a way that is filled with dedication and focus."

Salt Lake will have its hands filled with the Eagles, who are 1-0-1 after splitting a series with Southern Nevada last weekend. While the Bruins will have many different things to focus on in their preparations, Davis noted his team will have to first-and-foremost be focused on individual improvement.

"We've had a great start to this season from a number of different players," he said. "The goal from here forward is for our best players to continue developing, while simultaneously helping our younger players to expand their skills."

The Bruins will play USU Eastern at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, followed up by an 11:00 a.m. match on Saturday. Both matches will be played at Zions Bank Stadium in Herriman.