Dec. 6, 2006

LUBBOCK, Texas - The Texas Tech soccer team is one of the most improved programs in the nation, according to a study released by Somis Sports.

Somis Sports, a website that ranks sports and individual team improvements, ranked the Red Raiders third for improvement among all Division 1 women's soccer teams in the nation for the fall of 2006.

"This is pretty neat for the players, and is certainly well deserved," said head coach Neil McGuire. "We still have to climb the mountain but at least we have reached the half way mark."

The Red Raiders concluded their 2006 season with a shut-out victory over Baylor, 2-0, claiming the "Battle for the Brand" trophy on Oct. 27. Tech wrapped up the season 7-11-2 overall and 2-7-1 in conference which is a significant improvement from the 2005 season (1-17/0-10 Big 12). This was Tech's best season since 1998.

Five of Tech's losses were against Top 25 teams and 6 of those losses were to NCAA tournament teams, but included a win over No. 17 Missouri and a tie against the now No. 9 Oklahoma State. Tech has shown that they can compete against some of the most recognized soccer teams in the nation. The team finished the 2006 season ninth, up from last, in the Big 12 conference and was a half game away from qualifying for the Big 12 Tournament.

Texas Tech started it's 2006 season with two shut-out victories over Texas-San Antonio and TCU which was the best start for Texas Tech soccer since 2002. During the season, the Red Raiders soccer team also moved up 132 places in the national poll from 248th to 116th.