DOBBS FERRY, N.Y. – The Mercy University Women's Soccer Team has been ranked eighth in the first NCAA East Region Regional Rankings, which are used to determine at-large bids for the NCAA Championship.

For the first time in Division II, The NCAA Power Index, or NPI will be used to compare teams within Division II for ranking and NCAA championship selection. Once automatic qualifiers are determined, remaining teams are considered for at-large selection based on NPI ranking until the championship field is filled. NPI may also play a role in championship seeding.

Mercy has the eighth highest NPI out of East Region schools, checking in at 52.829. The Mavericks have the second highest NPI out of ECC schools. Six teams are taken from the East Region to make up the tournament field. The ECC, CACC and NE10 conference tournament winners earn automatic bids, leaving three at-large bids into the tournament. Mercy looks to qualify for the NCAA Tournament for the second straight year and is 7-3-3 on the year.

Head Coach Jack Nicholson and the Mavericks resume action on Wednesday when they host Southern Connecticut State at 12:30 p.m.