INDIANAPOLIS—The Barry University women's soccer team climbed up three spots in the NCAA South Region Poll this week and sit in first place heading into the final week of the season.

Barry, which stands 10-2-2 after defeating Florida Tech in the Sunshine State Conference Tournament quarterfinals, made the bump up to number one on the strength of a suffocating defense that has allowed just two goals since Oct. 1. Barry and senior keeper Paula Forero are riding a five-match shutout streak, covering 339 minutes. Since the calendar turned to October, the Bucs have out-scored their opponents 12-2, going 6-0-1 in the process.

The Bucs' quarterfinal win set a monster clash in the SSC semifinals as Barry takes on second-ranked Nova Southeastern. The Sharks (11-2-3) and Bucs played to a 0-0 draw on Oct. 19 at NSU's University Field. It should be another defensive battle as the two teams rank first (Barry) and second in the conference in goals allowed.

The Bucs' offense is led by the trio of Amanda Traynor, Carissa Sanchez and Molly Sharpe. Traynor has six goals and three assists for 15 points, while Sanchez (four goals, six assists) and Sharpe (five goals, four assists) each have 14 points. The Sharks' top performer has been freshman phenom Hannah Christophe. The rookie is one of only two players in the SSC to top 10 goals on the season.

Forero leads the league with eight shutouts in 14 games and has a 0.68 goals against average and .859 save percentage, while NSU's Ida Norstrom leads the conference with a 0.64 goals against average and .870 save percentage and is tied for second with six shutouts in 14 games.

Friday's semifinal, hosted at Saint Leo's University Field at 7:00 pm, will be carried on the Lion's Stretch portal.

The final regional rankings will be released, along with bids to the NCAA Tournament, on Monday, Nov. 7 at 6:00 pm on NCAA.com.