Indiana Wesleyan matched its highest ranking of the season moving up two spots to No. 4 in the latest NAIA Women's Basketball Coaches' Top 25 Poll released Monday by the national office.
The Wildcats were previously ranked fourth in the second poll of the season on Dec. 7 after receiving three first place votes. With 364 votes this week, IWU rejoins the top 5 after a 55-40 win over then-ranked No. 14 Marian and a 57-40 win over Grace last week.
This week Indiana Wesleyan (18-3) will put their perfect 7-0 conference record on the line against Taylor, who fell out of the top 25 this week after a 69-59 loss to Bethel, and Goshen, who they defeated 59-57 on Nov. 24.
With a 15-5, 4-2 MCC record, Bethel jumped three spots to return to the No. 15 spot they held two weeks ago. The Pilots' 10 point win over Taylor was their only game of the week. They challenge Saint Francis and Huntington this week.
Saint Francis (11-9, 5-2 MCC) is one of three new additions to this week's poll as they slide in at No. 21. With a loss to Indiana Wesleyan the Cougars took a one week hiatus from the top 25 last week, but grab their highest ranking since the preseason poll this week after wins over Grace and Huntington. USF topped the Foresters, who were also receiving votes in the polls, by one point, 61-60.
Marian (13-7, 5-2 MCC) was the nation's biggest mover dropping ten spots to No. 24 after the loss to Indiana Wesleyan last week. Winners in six of their last seven outings, the Knights take on Huntington and Spring Arbor this week.
Huntington has received votes in each of the polls this season but ties last week for their lowest point total (6).
Davenport (Mich.) maintained its position at No. 1 with a 19-1 record and 13 of the 15 first place votes.
