Westfield, Mass.— After back-to-back Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference Women's Cross Country Championship last season, Worcester State has been picked by the seven coaches from around the league to claim the 2019 crown.

 

The Lancers claimed six of the first place votes for 41 points. Returning for the team is Elisabeth Olson  who led the way for Worcester State with a first place overall all finish with a time of 20:03 in the 5k race to earn 2018 MASCAC Runner of the Year honors. 

 

Earning the final first place vote is Westfield State in second with 28 points. At last year's meet, Amy O'Sullivan crossed the line fifth with a time of 20:47 to earn MASCAC Rookie of the Year accolades. Returning with O'Sullivan is Andrea Noland who finished eighth with a time of 21:19 for All-Conference honors at last season's championship

 

Bridgewater State is up next in third with 26 points. Back for the Bears is Jenise Madden who was the top finisher for the team, coming in second with a time of 20:06 for All-Conference accolades.

 

Landing in fourth is Framingham State with 19 points. Coming back for the Rams, Eliza Weisse earned All-Conference honors with a sixth place time of 21:09 at last year's meet. 

 

Sitting in fifth place is Fitchburg State with 15 points. Returning for the Falcons is Melony Ellis who came across the line at last season's conference meet with a time of 30:32.  

 

Closing out the 2019 preseason poll are Massachusetts Maritime and MCLA tied for sixth with nine points, respectively. For the Buccaneers, they will look to Camryn Boyce this season. She finished the 2018 MASCAC Championship course in a time of 22:49. For the Trailblazers, Julie Gambill  is back after finishing as the top runner for MCLA with a time of 24:50.   

 

Bridgewater State, MCLA, Massachusetts Maritime, Westfield State and Worcester State begin their MASCAC cross country on September 7. Fitchburg State and Framingham State raced at Keene State last weekend. 

 

2019 MASCAC Women's Cross Country Preseason Coaches Poll

(First Place Votes In Parentheses)

1. Worcester State (6)                         41 points

2. Westfield State (1)                          28 points

3. Bridgewater State                           26 points

4. Framingham State                          19 points

5. Fitchburg State                              15 points

6. MCLA                                              9 points

    Massachusetts Maritime                    9 points