Loretto, Pa - The Saint Francis women's cross country is considered one of the favorites to capture a conference title. The team was picked second in the NEC Preseason Coaches' Poll, released on Monday.  The Red Flash received one first place vote.  CCSU took the top spot in the poll.
 
"The ladies are incredibly excited to get going," said head coach Doug Hoover. "They had an opportunity to compete during the outdoor track and field season, and they have a lot of success there."
 
Saint Francis captured the women's track and field championship this past spring. The distance runners were led by Taya Whitfield (senior) and Mackenzie Walker (sophomore).
 
Whitfield took silver in the 3,000m Steeplechase at the NEC Championship. Walker was also on the medal stand, taking silver in the 10,000m and 6^th in the 5,000m run.
 
"There's no denying that this team has a genuine passion for cross country, and it's been two years since they have had a chance to lace up the spikes out on the grass.  They're looking forward to a great season," said Hoover.
 
The Red Flash begins the 2021 fall campaign Sept. 3 in Allegheny County with the Yinzer Classic, a Friday night meet co-hosted by Duquesne, Pitt, Robert Morris, and Carnegie Mellon.
 
They return home the following week to host the annual Father Bede Invitational on September 11 at Immergrun Golf Course.
 
 
NEC Preseason Coaches' Poll
1. CCSU (8)
2. Saint Francis U (1)
3. Sacred Heart (1)
4. Mount St. Mary's
5. Bryant
6. LIU
7. Wagner
8. Merrimack
9. Fairleigh Dickinson
10. St. Francis Brooklyn