Penn State women’s soccer is once again among the nation’s elite to begin the 2021 season. Following a 2-1 start, the Nittany Lions debuted at No. 13 in the United Soccer Coaches poll Tuesday afternoon.

Penn State is joined by two other Big Ten schools in the top 25. Rutgers, which Erica Dambach’s squad fell to in its season opener, came in at No. 19, while Indiana came in at No. 24.

Florida State leads the poll at No. 1, as the Seminoles currently sit at a dominant 11-0.

The Nittany Lions haven’t had the easiest start to an 11-game regular season that is played entirely within the Big Ten, as their first three games have come on the road against worthy opponents.

Erica Dambach’s squad was shocked on opening day by Rutgers on a late comeback. Since then, the Nittany Lions have rattled off consecutive victories against Northwestern (4-1) and Illinois (2-0).

Penn State’s successful week also has it placed at No. 20 in TopDrawerSoccer’s ranking. Due to how young the season is, the Nittany Lions are also part of a six-team logjam at the top of the Big Ten standings, which also includes Illinois, Indiana, Northwestern, Rutgers, and Wisconsin.

Penn State now heads home for the first time this season to host Indiana at 4:30 p.m. Thursday and Michigan State 1 p.m. Sunday. Both matches will be streamed live on BTN+.