Team Among Most Improved

February 1, 2010

WEATHERFORD, Okla. - Southwestern Oklahoma State University had one of the most improved soccer teams in NCAA Division II, according to Somis Sports, a nationally-known website that tracks improvements of sports teams at all levels.

The Bulldogs, under first year coach Mark Persson, finished the 2009 season with a 7-10-2 record a five-game improvement over last year's 2-17 mark. The Bulldogs were ranked third in NCAA Division II with an improvement rating of 2.12. No other Lone Star Conference school was ranked among the top 20 teams.

North Alabama, a member of the Gulf South Conference, finished first in the rankings with a 3.47 rating. The Lions won 11 more games than the previous year. Alderson-Broaddus of West Virginia was second with a 2.50 raking.

A teams rating roughly equates to net goals (goals scored minus goals against). Based on the calculation, all 20 teams ranked  improved by at least 1.17 net goals per season.