WACO, Texas – The Sacred Heart University equestrian team earned the No. 3 slot in the latest National Collegiate Equestrian Association (NCEA) Single Discipline Coaches Poll, announced Tuesday afternoon by the association. 

The Pioneers make their first-ever appearance in the top five this season following a statement weekend that saw SHU knock off then-No. 2 College of Charleston in dramatic fashion. The meet came down to a tiebreaker, with Sacred Heart sealing the upset to cap one of the biggest victories this fall. 

Sacred Heart's rise in the rankings comes as the team continues to build momentum through the fall portion of its schedule. The latest poll places SHU just behind No. 1 Lynchburg and No. 2 Dartmouth, while Charleston drops to fourth and Sweet Briar rounds out the top five.

Week Six Coaches Poll
Dual Discipline
1. Georgia (Prv. 1)
2. South Carolina (Prv. 2)
3. Auburn (Prv. 3)
4. Texas A&M (Prv. 4)
5. Oklahoma State (Prv. 5)
6. SMU (Prv. 8)
7. TCU (Prv. 7)
8. Fresno State (Prv. 6)
9. Baylor (Prv. 10)
10. UC Davis (Prv. 9)

Single Discipline
1. Lynchburg (Prv. 1)
2. Dartmouth (Prv. 4)
3. Sacred Heart (NR)
4. College of Charleston (Prv. 2)
5. Sweet Briar (Prv. 3)

About the NCEA
The National Collegiate Equestrian Association (NCEA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing collegiate equestrian, an emerging NCAA sport for women. In partnership with the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), the NCEA provides opportunities for student-athletes to compete at the highest level while achieving excellence in academics and athletics.

To stay up to date all year long on all things NCEA Equestrian, follow the organization on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @NCEA_Equestrian and @ncea_eq.