The DePaul softball has moved up to the No. 8 spot in the new USA Today/NFCA Top 25 Poll, released on Wednesday. The Blue Demons (5-0) have moved up three spots since their preseason ranking at No. 11.

After their 5-0 performance at the LSU Tiger Classic in Baton Rouge, La., it’s no surprise to see the Blue Demons break into the top ten. The Blue Demons swept the tournament with ease and were declared the champions.

DePaul started the tournament, and started their season, by knocking off Stephen F. Austin 1-0. The Blue Demons then came back that same night to beat Baylor 2-0. The next day, DePaul dropped Baylor again 3-1 before knocking off LSU, then ranked No. 7. The Blue Demons beat the Tigers 4-0 in convincing fashion. DePaul faced Baylor again for the third time beating the Bears 7-0.

Senior Lindsay Chouinard earned tournament MVP after pitching two one-hitters, two saves, and throwing 19 strikeouts in 22 innings. Chouinard’s performance on the mound also earned her Conference USA Player of the Week honors.

Sarah Martz led the team in hitting as she hit 9-for-16 over the three days of play including a double in their last game against Baylor.

“We’re excited about moving up to No. 8 but we are definitely not satisfied,” says Coach Eugene Lenti. “We realize it is only the beginning of the season and we are more concerned with how we end the season."

“It’s great to receive respect from our fellow coaches and hopefully we’ll prove that we deserve this honor this weekend in Columbus,” says Lenti.

Columbus, Ga. is the location of the NFCA Division I Leadoff Classic where DePaul will face top teams such as No. 14 Arizona State and No. 21 Ohio State in pool play. Southern Miss will also participate in the tournament.