For the first time in nearly 20 years, the University of Delaware field hockey squad has been ranked in the top 10 of the Penn Monto/National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) Division I Coaches Poll. The Blue Hens are No. 9 in the most recent poll released this week.

UD previously had not been ranked in the top 10 since 1998, when the Hens reached as high as a No. 6 ranking. 

This week, UD received 566 points to move up from the No. 10 spot.

The Hens, who are currently 10-2 on the year and 2-0 in Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) play, have won a season-best six straight contests, including a 1-0 victory over then-No. 19 James Madison and a 3-2 overtime triumph at William and Mary this past weekend.

Connecticut remained at No. 1 nationally with 952 points and 29 first place votes as the Huskies (11-0) remain the lone undefeated team in the country.

Duke and North Carolina swapped positions behind UConn, with the Blue Devils moving up to No. 2 with 921 points and the Tar Heels falling to No. 3 with 906 votes. Both teams received nine first place votes.

Syracuse held steady at No. 4 (871 points; three first place votes) while Penn State remained at No. 5 (788 points).

The next poll will be announced on Tuesday, Oct. 11. The poll is voted on by NFHCA member coaches and has no bearing on selection into the NCAA tournament.

UD returns to Fred P. Rullo Stadium this weekend to host No. 10 Michigan at 4 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 8, before returning to CAA action against Hofstra Sunday, Oct. 9, at 1:30 p.m.

For more on UD Athletics, see BlueHens.com.