Thursday, September 5, 2002

MORAVIAN WOMEN'S CROSS COUNTRY RANKED 23RD IN PRESEASON POLL

BETHLEHEM, PA --- The Moravian College women's cross country team has been ranked 23rd in the 2002 NCAA Division III Preseason Poll released by Apple Raceberry Jam.

The Greyhounds, who placed third in the nation at the NCAA Division III National Championships last fall, need to replace three All-Americans and their top four runners from last season who have all graduated.  Moravian, which won its ninth straight Middle Atlantic Conference Championship and its second consecutive NCAA Division III Mideast Regional title last fall, does have three runners returning that ran at the National Championships including senior Jennifer Wagner (Riegelsville, PA/Wilson HS).

Moravian, which was picked first in the MAC Coaches' Preseason Poll, was the second of three Mideast Region teams in the rankings.  Haverford College was tied for 16th while Allegheny College was tied for 24th.  The top two teams at this year's regional race that will be hosted by Salisbury (MD) University will earn berths to the 2002 National Championships at St. Olaf's College on November 24, 2002.