On , Texas Tech Women's Soccer vaulted into the national spotlight as a consensus top‑five program, landing at No. 3 in the TopDrawer Soccer poll and No. 5 in the United Soccer Coaches rankings. The surge came under the steady hand of Tom Stone, head coach since 2013, who guided a squad that has gone 12‑2‑2 overall and 6‑1‑2 in the Big 12 Conference through a flawless stretch after a lone early‑season loss.
How the Red Raiders Cracked the Top‑Five
The climb didn’t happen overnight. After a 1‑0 defeat to San Francisco in early September, the Red Raiders strapped on a new defensive mindset that turned the season around. A perfect 2‑0‑0 weekend in Arizona – a 3‑2 thriller against Arizona State followed by a 2‑0 shutout at Arizona – nudged the pollsters’ eyes back toward Lubbock.
“We knew we had to stop leaving things to chance,” Stone said in a post‑game press conference. “That win in Tucson showed the kind of resilience we can sustain.” The wins pushed the team from No. 4 to No. 3 in the TopDrawer poll, marking the second straight week of upward movement.
The Road to the Rankings: Wins and Stats
Statistically, the Red Raiders have been a nightmare for opponents. They’ve recorded 27 goals while allowing just 12, and their goal‑difference sits at +15. Goalkeeper Alyssa Martinez posted three clean sheets in the last five matches, including the shutout in Tucson.
- Overall record: 12‑2‑2
- Big 12 record: 6‑1‑2
- Points in conference: 20 (tied with Colorado)
- Scoring average: 1.78 per game
- Goals allowed per game: 0.86
Those numbers sit comfortably against a Big 12 field that includes traditional powerhouses such as West Virginia and Texas Christian University (TCU). The Red Raiders also rank 13th in the NCAA RPI, a metric that blends win‑loss records with strength of schedule.
Big 12 Title Race Heats Up
The conference standings are tighter than a goalkeeper’s glove after a rainy night. Texas Tech sits level on points with the University of Colorado Boulder Buffaloes, both holding 20 points. One point separates them from West Virginia (21 points) and two from league‑leading Texas Christian (22 points).
Colorado, ranked No. 7 in the TopDrawer poll and No. 11 in the NCAA RPI, comes into the matchup with a flawless 4‑0‑1 home record. “They’re the best roster I’ve seen from them in a decade,” Stone warned, pointing to Colorado’s aggressive box‑pressing style that forces opponents into aerial duels.
The Upcoming Showdown at Prentup Field
The decisive clash is set for at 8 p.m. Central Time (7 p.m. Mountain). The game qualifies as an Texas Tech vs Colorado women's soccerPrentup Field, and it represents Texas Tech's final Big 12 road test.
Colorado’s coach Rory Bennett (not to be confused with the men’s coach) says his squad has “trained for the pressure of a box‑press all season.” The Red Raiders will need to counter that by sharpening their own aerial game – a challenge that could make or break their conference aspirations.
What the Rankings Mean for the NCAA Tournament
Beyond conference bragging rights, the national ranking influences seedings in the 64‑team NCAA tournament. A top‑five finish virtually guarantees a double‑digit seed and, more importantly, a potential home‑field advantage in the opening rounds. If Texas Tech can out‑win Colorado, they could vault into a top‑four RPI spot, positioning themselves for a regional final on familiar turf.
Conversely, a loss could see them slip to No. 9 or 10 in the RPI, forcing a road game against a higher‑seeded opponent. The stakes feel almost as high as the College World Series for gymnastics fans.
Voices from the Athletic Departments
Texas Tech’s Director of Athletics Kirby Hocutt praised the team’s “unrelenting work ethic,” noting that the program’s $100 million budget supports state‑of‑the‑art facilities like the John Walker Soccer Complex.
Colorado’s athletic chief Rick George echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the “balanced investment” across sports that keeps the Buffaloes competitive on the national stage.
Key Facts
- Date of top‑five recognition: October 21, 2025
- Current poll positions: No. 3 (TopDrawer), No. 5 (United Soccer Coaches)
- Big 12 standing: Tied for second (20 points) behind TCU (22 points)
- Upcoming match: Texas Tech vs Colorado, October 23, 2025, 8 p.m. CT at Prentup Field
- Implication: Potential shift in NCAA tournament seeding
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Texas Tech’s top‑five ranking affect its NCAA tournament chances?
A top‑five finish usually translates into a higher seed, meaning the Red Raiders could host early‑round matches. That home advantage often boosts win probability, especially given their strong record at John Walker Soccer Complex.
What makes the upcoming game at Prentup Field so pivotal?
The match decides whether Texas Tech stays tied for second or slips behind West Virginia. A win also puts pressure on TCU and Texas Christian, potentially reshaping the final Big 12 rankings.
Who are the key players to watch for Texas Tech?
Forward Emma Liu leads the attack with nine goals, while goalkeeper Alyssa Martinez has been a wall, logging three recent clean sheets. Their chemistry on set pieces could be decisive.
How does Colorado’s roster compare to Texas Tech’s?
Colorado boasts a deeper bench and a disciplined box‑press that forces opponents into aerial duels. Their home record of 4‑0‑1 suggests they’re comfortable controlling the tempo at Prentup Field.
When is the Big 12 conference championship game?
The conference championship is scheduled for at the Big 12 headquarters in Irving, Texas, pending final standings after the regular season concludes.
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