Dec. 6, 2016
AUBURN, Ala. - The 2016 team has checked more records off its list with the release of the final National Soccer Coaches of America (NSCAA) and NCAA RPI polls. The Tigers wrap up the season as the No. 8 team in the country and sit No. 9 in the RPI.
Both marks stand as the highest finishes in program history after the release of the final polls.
Auburn opened the 2016 campaign as the No. 12 team in the country, according to the NSCAA. The Tigers then spent the next 12 regular season polls ranked or receiving votes, highlighted by seven consecutive weeks in the top 20 from Sept. 27 until Nov. 8.
After a program-record 17 wins and a berth in the NCAA Quarterfinals for the first time in program history, Auburn capped the 2016 season at No. 8.
The Tigers also set a program record by finishing No. 9 in the final NCAA RPI. The 2016 team is the first ever to crack the top 10 at the end of the season and the fourth team to achieve a top 20 finish since 2000.
Last season's squad ended the season at No. 11 in the RPI. The previous high before that mark came in 2003 when Auburn capped the campaign at No. 13.
Under the guidance of head coach Karen Hoppa, the Tigers played one of the toughest schedules in the country in 2016.
Auburn was one of only four teams in the nation to play 21 or more matches against the RPI Top 100 and finished third with 14 wins against the top competition.
Only USC (22) and West Virginia (22) - the two teams that participated in the national title bout - played more Top 100 opponents, while North Carolina (21) matched Auburn.
The Tigers' total also paced the SEC as Florida and South Carolina were next on the list, each playing 20 opponents in the RPI Top 100, while Arkansas competed against 18.