RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – Northwestern women's cross country team was picked to finish ninth in the Great American Conference pre-season polls. Defending GAC champion Oklahoma Baptist received 10 of the 12 first place votes, as voted on by head coaches.

"We are primed to make another move this year," head coach Jill Lancaster stated. "Our program has continued to develop and get better each year. We are going to lean our returners to lead this very young and talented group of newcomers."

East Central received 109 votes, one first place nod, Harding secured the final first place vote to go with 103 total votes. Southern Arkansas collected 93 votes in fourth, while Southeastern was slated in fifth with 77 votes.

Southern Nazarene received 68 votes in sixth and Arkansas Tech in seventh gathered 60 votes. Ouachita Baptist came in eighth with 49 votes, edging Northwestern out by one vote. Following the Rangers Henderson State, Southwestern and Arkansas-Monticello to round out the poll.

Northwestern's first meet of the season will take place on Sept. 7 at 8 a.m. in Edmond, where they will compete in the UCO Land Run.