NORTHRIDGE, Calif.- The first ACHA computer ranking of the season placed CSUN sixth in the West Region which is the highest spot the Matadors have achieved in Division 2.

     This is the third season the ACHA has used a computer ranking to determine which teams qualify for the post season. The league utilized a coaches poll before switching. The computer ranking formula takes into account winning percentage, goal differential and strength of schedule.

     After the final ranking is released in mid-February the top two teams in each region of D-2 (West, Central, Northeast and Southeast) receive auto bids to the National Tournament.

     Teams ranked 3-12 qualify for Regionals. In the first round the No. 9 seed plays the No. 12 seed and the No. 10 seed plays the No. 11 seed. In the second round the No. 3 seed plays the lowest seeded winner from the first round and the No. 4 seed plays the highest seeded winner. Also the No. 5 seed plays No. 8 and No. 6 plays No. 7. In the Regional Finals the four remaining teams are re-seeded and the two winners advance to Nationals.

     The full top 20 ranking is listed below. CSUN was the only California team to make the ranking.

     Next week the Matadors ranking will be put to the test at the Beehive Showcase in Utah. CSUN is going to play four games in four days including match-ups against No. 1 Mary and No. 10 Williston State.

1. University of Mary (ND)
2. Boise State
3. Northern Colorado
4. Northern Arizona
5. Oregon
6. CSUN
7. Eastern Washington
8. Texas
9. Grand Canyon
10. Williston State
11. Dakota College
12. Montana State

13. Metro State
14. Utah State
15. University of Providence (MT)
16. Weber State
17. BYU
18. Denver
19. Texas-El Paso
20. Dallas Baptist