Women selected fifth in NEC preseason poll
SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The Bryant University women's cross country team was selected to finish fifth by the Northeast Conference head coaches, as announced Monday by the conference office.
The preseason poll consists of eight teams with Central Connecticut at the top spot with six first-place votes. Sacred Heart trails closely behind the Blue Devils with three votes, followed by Mount St. Mary's and Merrimack at 3 and 4. Wagner, LIU and St. Francis Brooklyn round out the poll in the final three spots.
The Bulldogs finished sixth last season at the NEC Championship as Central Connecticut won its second-straight NEC title. Bryant was led by then-sophomore Julia Ayres who finished 13th overall which placed her on the NEC All-Conference list. Abby Hamilton finished among the top-30 and earned All-Rookie honors for being the third rookie to cross the finish line.
Both the men and the women begin the short 2021 season at home with a tune-up meet against Merrimack and Sacred Heart this Saturday, Feb. 13, before hosting the NEC Championship on Sunday, Feb. 28.
Follow the Bryant cross country and track & field teams on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook for updates on the season and an inside look at the program.
Women's Cross Country
1. CCSU (6)
2. Sacred Heart (3)
3. Mount St. Mary's
4. Merrimack
5. Bryant
6. Wagner
7. LIU
8. St. Francis Brooklyn