BRISTOL, R.I.- The Roger Williams University Baseball team has been ranked fifth in the latest New England Intercollegiate Baseball Association (NEIBA) Division III Coaches' Poll as it was announced on Tuesday.
 
After going 4-1 last week, the Hawks now stand at 15-5 overall, making it their best 20 game start since the team's inception.
 
"Rankings are great and it's good to see the players hard work day in and day out is being noticed," said Head Coach Kevin Kelley. "However, we do not really focus on the rankings because they are out of our control. We focus what we can control and that is our preparation, work ethic, energy, effort, winning each day and getting better daily.  Again, it's great to be recognized but at the end of the day it doesn't mean much."
 
RWU saw their ranking rise from a tie for sixth in the regional rankings in the first NEIBA poll of the season a week ago. In addition, they are also the top ranked Commonwealth Coast Conference team in the rankings as they sit two slots above in-state rival Salve Regina University.
 
The Hawks will conclude their season series against Western New England University by hosting them for a non-conference matchup this Wednesday at 3:30 PM before venturing to Newport, Rhode Island for a huge series against the number seven regionally ranked Salve Regina Seahawks this weekend beginning on Saturday at noon.
 
NEIBA Division III Rankings
T-1^st- Eastern Connecticut State University- (15-2), (3), 65 points
T-1^st- Babson College- (4-0), (4), 65 points
3^rd- Wheaton College- (4-0), 45 points
4^th- University of Southern Maine- (11-6), 39 points
5^th- Roger Williams University- (15-5), 33 points
6^th- Westfield State University- (11-1), 30 points
7^th- Salve Regina University- (7-1-1), 28 points
8^th- Tufts University- (3-0), 13 points
Also receiving votes: Brandeis University, Williams College, UMass Boston, Mitchell College, Worcester State