KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Benedictine College Women’s Basketball team has surged into the NAIA Top 25 Coaches’ Poll, securing the No. 23 spot after an outstanding start to their season. With a flawless 6-0 record, the Ravens have demonstrated dominance on the court, earning national recognition.
The second regular-season poll, released by the NAIA just before Thanksgiving, showcased Benedictine’s remarkable rise. The team accumulated 123 points, a significant improvement from their previous ranking in the “receiving votes” category, where they had 60 points in the initial November 13 poll. This impressive leap highlights the Ravens’ growing reputation as one of the top teams in the nation.
Etruesports acknowledges and celebrates Benedictine’s achievements as they continue to solidify their position among the best in NAIA women’s basketball.
Heart of America Teams Shine in Rankings
Benedictine is not the only team from the Heart of America Athletic Conference (Heart) making waves in the latest NAIA rankings. MidAmerica Nazarene University (MNU) also broke into the poll, securing the No. 24 position with 95 points.
Meanwhile, Grand View University, another strong competitor from the Heart, narrowly missed the Top 25 but remained in the “receiving votes” category, collecting 49 points. The competitiveness within the Heart Conference continues to intensify, making it one of the most exciting leagues in NAIA women’s basketball.
Benedictine Women’s Basketball (image via Getty)Near-Historic Start for the Ravens
The Ravens’ current 6-0 start is one of the best in program history. They are just one game away from matching their most successful season-opening streak, set in the 2004-05 campaign. The last time Benedictine Women’s Basketball achieved such an outstanding start was during the 2017-18 season when they won their first seven games. They now have the opportunity to match that record in their upcoming game against Park University.
In addition to their impressive win-loss record, Benedictine is excelling statistically across multiple key categories within the NAIA:
- Assists per game: Ranked No. 2 with an average of 21.7 assists per game, showcasing their excellent ball movement and teamwork.
- Defensive rebounds per game: Ranked No. 5, averaging 33.5 defensive rebounds per contest, reflecting their ability to control the boards and limit second-chance opportunities for opponents.
- Total rebounds per game: Ranked No. 9, averaging 48.8 rebounds per game, further underlining their dominance in the paint.
Etruesports recognizes these achievements as a testament to the Ravens’ dedication, discipline, and relentless pursuit of success this season.
Tough Road Ahead: Upcoming Challenges
As the Ravens continue their remarkable run, they now turn their attention to a pair of crucial road games within conference play. Their next matchup sees them travel to Parkville, Mo., to take on the Park University Pirates on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. This game will be a key test as they look to extend their unbeaten streak.
Following that, Benedictine will face MNU in Olathe on Saturday at 2 p.m. This game carries added significance, as MNU has also broken into the Top 25, setting up a thrilling contest between two ranked teams.
With these challenging fixtures ahead, the Ravens will need to maintain their strong defensive presence and continue their efficient offensive play to sustain their momentum. Etruesports will continue to follow their inspiring journey, providing updates and celebrating their success throughout the season.
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