JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – The Carson-Newman Lady Eagles are seventh in this week's NCAA Division II Southeast Regional Rankings, released late Wednesday.
C-N is trying to make its fourth-consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance. The top eight teams in the poll advance to the Southeast Regional Tournament, which begins the weekend of Nov. 17.
Carson-Newman (14-12 overall) is one of six South Atlantic Conference teams in the poll. Unbeaten Wingate is No. 2 in this week's poll, followed by Lincoln Memorial at No. 4, Catawba at No. 5, and Tusculum is No. 6. Lenoir-Rhyne, who C-N will face Nov. 4, is No. 9 in the poll.
Unbeaten Armstrong Atlantic State is No. 1 in this week's poll. Flagler, who knocked the Lady Eagles out of last year's tournament in the semifinals, is No. 3.
The Lady Eagles have rode stellar defense to their regional ranking. C-N leads the nation in blocks per set at 2.69. Senior Nikki James (Cookeville, Tenn.) continues her assault on the SAC and NCAA record books. She is leading the nation, for the second consecutive year, in blocks per set at 1.67.
The Lady Eagles face Maryville College on Thursday night at 6 p.m.
Carson-Newman wraps up its regular season next week. C-N faces Mars Hill on Tuesday at 7 p.m. in Mars Hill, N.C., before hosting Lenoir-Rhyne on Friday at 7 p.m. and Brevard College on Saturday at 5 p.m. for Senior Day.
NCAA Southeast Region Rankings - Oct. 26
1. Armstrong Atlantic
2. Wingate
3. Flagler
4. Lincoln Memorial
5. Catawba
6. Tusculum
7. Carson-Newman
8. Lees-McRae
9. Lenoir-Rhyne
10. S.C. - Aiken
