The Triangle

Issue date: 10/3/08 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Aaron Walizer

After sweeping the state of California by beating Stanford and Cal, dominating play against Philadelphia teams with wins over Villanova, St. Joe's and Temple and starting off league play with a 5-1 thrashing over the Hofstra Pride, the women's field hockey team couldn't get any better.

Or maybe it could.

For the first time in program history, the Dragons are ranked 18th in the country by the National Field Hockey Coaches Association Division I Coaches Poll.

"The recognition is fantastic," Head Coach Denise Zelenak said. "We are getting the respect from the coaches and hopefully we can get into postseason play. This has been a long time coming. We're only halfway through, but I don't think it's getting to the players' heads."

Drexel has compiled an 8-2 record and is undefeated in league play, going into a heated rivalry against No. 7 James Madison (8-1, 2-0 CAA).

Even more impressive is that six of Drexel's eight wins have come against teams that are either currently ranked or received votes in this week's poll. Their only losses came against No. 9 Duke and No. 16 Rutgers.

"It's terrific, but I'm not surprised," Director of Athletics Eric Zillmer said. "Coach Denise Zelanak has done an incredible job. I'm happy for Denise that she has had the success this year. She has been knocking on the door for many years and has put a really good program together."

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