The ratings out this week show the Fighting Scots have the 6th toughest schedule in the nation for Division III teams. That comes as no surprise to Scots’ head coach Mark Vershaw, whose team has faced a non-conference schedule that included two Division II teams and two other scholarship schools including the 10th ranked team in the NAIA, twice. The Scots’ seven non-conference losses were to opponents who sport a 62-24 record.

Mark Vershaw isn’t using the schedule as an excuse, but believes the team will be better because of the quality non-conference schedule. "It’s a testament to our guys and the quality of our opponents," he said of the ranking. "We’re not using it as an excuse, but the fact is we’ve played a very tough schedule. I think facing these top-caliber teams has made us better and it’s important for our guys and our fans to see that the national ratings confirm what we as a staff already knew. I’m sure it will pay off in the end."

Monmouth is now fully into their conference schedule and Vershaw is looking forward to gaining some ground and looks for the Scots rugged schedule to begin paying dividends. The Scots did cash in on that experience with their first win, a 68-67 victory over Lake Forest Tuesday. No other Midwest Conference school had a strength of schedule rating higher than 119th.

The Massey ratings have been published since 1995 and rates the schedule based on the opponent’s record and the location of the games. The University of Texas at Tyler is ranked as having the toughest schedule in the nation.