TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The 2016 Alabama soccer team is making a case to be mentioned among the most improved teams in NCAA Division I this season. After ending the 2015 season with only five total wins (5-12-2), the Crimson Tide has surpassed last year's win total as it boasts a record of 7-3-1 at the midway point of the current campaign.

As a result of the success on the pitch, Alabama has seen its stock rise in the national statistics. The RPI rankings were released on Monday and Alabama was ranked No. 51, improving 24 spots from its No. 75 ranking the week before. In comparison, the Tide finished with a No. 213 RPI ranking year ago.

The Tide has four individuals who have earned national attention with their performances thus far this season. Junior Lacey Clarida is tied for 23rd in the NCAA in game-winning goals with three. Sophomores Abbie Boswell and Emma Welch are tied for No. 12 in the country in total assists with six and they are also tied for No. 33 in assists per game, averaging 0.55. Clarida and Boswell are tied for No. 63 in total goals with six, and Boswell is No. 25 in total points with 18 so far this season. Junior goalkeeper Kat Stratton is nationally ranked in two categories between the posts. Stratton is tied for No. 86 in shutouts with three this year and she is No. 461 in goals against average with a slim 0.819 average.

The win over the Aggies marked the first time the Tide has recorded a victory over a ranked Southeastern Conference opponent since the 2014 season. Moreover, it is Alabama's first time to defeat Texas A&M since the 1995 season. Additionally, it is the first win over a top-25 opponent since Hart has taken the reigns. The victory over Texas A&M also marked the seventh win of the season, making the Tide two wins shy of breaking into the program's top-10 single seasons wins list.

Alabama will look to take another positive step when it travels to Starkville, Miss., on Friday to take on SEC foe Mississippi State in a match that starts at 7 p.m. CT.

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