UW-Stevens Point won two national titles, then lost four starters, two All-Americans and a head coach. Last year the Pointers went just 5-4 in non-conference action and finished 17-10.

But not all was lost, according to coach Bob Semling: "We logged a lot of meaningful experience for our first-year kids. I can see how much we've grown and taken from those battles. They measured up to the challenge."

The Pointers have grown to the point where they are undefeated at 9-0 heading into a pair of road games against Division II opponents. More in Around the Nation.

A pair of other teams are off to surprising 9-0 starts as well. St. Lawrence, which hasn't made much noise on the national scene since the days of post player/MLS goalie Greg Sutton, is unbeaten as well, as are the Norwich women under a new head coach. Check it all out in Around the Nation.