ATTLEBORO, Mass. – The Lesley University women's cross country program has landed atop the New England Collegiate Conference Preseason Poll, released today by Assistant Commissioner for Media Relations Rebecca Mullen.
The Lynx, who have won seven conference titles in the past eight years, earned two first place votes and 68 total points and edged Regis College, who finished in second with one first place vote and 65 total points. Defending champion Wheelock College earned the most first place votes with five and rounded out the top there with 62 total points. Southern Vermont College finished fourth with 57 points, ahead of Elms College (44 points) and Mitchell College (36 points). Newbury College (32 points), Bay Path University (28 points), and Daniel Webster College (13 points) wrapped up the poll in the bottom third.
The Lynx return a solid mixed core of young runners and veterans. Co-captains Abbey Coppinger (Moultonborough, N.H.) and Sydney Altschuler (Durham, Conn.) will lead the way while Lesley will look for big seasons from sophomore Nicole Footer (Lewiston, Maine) and junior Alex Dimauro (Woburn, Mass.).
Lesley will open up their season on Saturday, September 3rd at the Roger Williams University Invitational.
2016 NECC Women's Cross Country Coaches' Poll
1. Lesley - 68 (2)
2. Regis - 65 (1)
3. Wheelock - 62 (5)
4. Southern Vermont – 57
5. Elms – 44
6. Mitchell – 36
7. Newbury – 32
8. Bay Path – 28
9. Daniel Webster - 13