INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - Cornell field hockey is ranked seventh in the NCAA RPI rankings as of games through September 22.
 
The rating percentage index, or RPI, is a quantity used to rank sports team based upon a team's wins and losses and its strength of schedule.
 
The most recent NCAA RPI rankings came out on Sunday (Sept. 22) when Cornell had two wins, against No. 18 Syracuse and Lock Haven, and one loss against No. 14 Saint Joseph's.
 
Andy Smith, head coach of the Big Red field hockey team, thought seventh-place in the NCAA RPI rankings is a, "nice achievement for the team to be ranked so highly this early in the season."
 
Big Red field hockey opened its season with a standout win against No. 18 Syracuse. For just the third time in program history, Cornell was able to out-shine the Orange and maintain the lead throughout the game. With goals scored by freshman Caroline Ramsey and sophomore Claire Jones, the Big Red beat Syracuse, 2-1. 
 
Cornell closed out its opening weekend with a second remarkable win, in double overtime, against Lock Haven. Senior Maddy Conklin opened scoring in the first minute and Ramsey tied the scored with ten minutes left in the game. Jones scored her second game-winning goal of the season to earn her team the double-overtime win and be named Ivy League Offensive Player of the Week on Sept. 9.
 
The Big Red further strengthened their schedule with a game against No. 14 Saint Joseph's. Though Cornell lost, 4-2, the loss to a ranked opponent can still help the Big Red in RPI rankings. 
 
After the rankings were released Cornell hosted and defeated Lafayette, 4-1. Junior Grace Royer had an excellent night with two goals and one assist, while Ramsey and junior Julianne Mangano each added a tally for the Big Red.
 
The Cornell field hockey team will be back in action as they travel to Philadelphia to battle for their first Ivy League win against Penn on Saturday, September 28.