MORROW, Ga. – September 11, 2007 – After breaking into the NSCAA/Adidas Division II Top 25 poll at 15th in the nation last week, the Clayton State Laker men’s soccer team catapulted this week to fifth in the latest poll, which was released on Tuesday.

The Lakers (3-0-1), who tied Lees-McRae and recorded a shutout at Brevard last week, are ranked behind Seattle Pacific, Lenoir-Rhyne, Northern Kentucky and top-ranked Lynn. It’s the highest national ranking yet for Clayton State under head coach Pete Petersen. Previously, the Lakers were ranked as high as sixth in the 2005 season.

"Our goal is the national tournament and the Division II ‘Final Four’ in Pensacola," said Petersen, who is 38-17-9 in his fourth season at Clayton State. "This is all good and well, but it’s early. Ranked fifth or 105th, we have some tough games ahead."

While it’s the highest ranking under Petersen, it’s the second-highest ranking ever for a Clayton State team in men’s soccer. The 2002 squad, under the direction of former head coach John Rootes, started the season 7-0 and was ranked fourth in the nation.

In addition to its high national ranking, Clayton State is also the top-ranked team in the Division II Southeast Region. The Lakers are ahead of 11th-ranked Lees-McRae and 23rd-ranked Lander, plus Pfeiffer, Limestone, Belmont Abbey, Mount Olive, Queens, Barton and St. Andrews.

And speaking of Rootes, Clayton State will welcome back its former coach on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. when the Lakers play host to Savannah College of Art & Design at Laker Field.