For the first time this season, two area teams occupy spots in the AP’s top 10 for women’s college hoops. While their male counterparts’ seasons have been wrought with inconsistencies, reigning champs Maryland (22-3, #6) and surging GW (19-2, #8) have been making noise all season.

This afternoon’s poll reveals GW’s first appearance in the top ten since February, 1992. The Colonials are riding a 12-game winning streak and are unbeaten in conference play. Their only losses on the season came at the hands of then-top ranked Maryland and current #3 Tennessee. The Colonials’ last remaining obstacles to an undefeated run through the A-10 are games at Charlotte (7-1 in conference play) and at home against Temple (8-0) on the 25th.

Maryland, on the other hand, has not played all that well of late, collecting only 4 wins in their last 7 games. Last Thursday’s loss to Georgia Tech marked the first time the Lady Terps have lost to an unranked team in over two years. Still, last year’s National Champions have put together an impressive season to date, compiling 6 wins against RPI top 50 teams. Maryland’s biggest challenges will be visiting Florida State (6-1 in the ACC) before hosting top-ranked Duke in their final game of the season.

Both teams are in prime position to be among the nation’s elite come this season’s rapidly approaching Selection Monday.