Westfield, Mass.— Westfield State has been picked by the seven coaches in the league to win their fourth straight MASCAC Women’s Cross Country Championship.
 

The Owl had six first place votes for 36 points to earn the top spot. During the 2022 Championship, Shea Hamel was the first Owl across the line in third with a time of 19:28 to earn MASCAC Co-Rookie of the Year and All-Conference honors. 

Earning the other first place vote is Bridgewater State in second with 28 points. Co-MASCAC Rookie of the Year Nicole Major came in second with a time of 19:20 to earn All-Conference accolades and help the Bears to a third place team finish.

Fitchburg State is up next in third with 27 points. Skye Goba came in 12th with a time of 20:05 to help guide the Falcons to a runner-up team showing.

Landing in fourth is Framingham State with 21 points. Meghan Johnston is back for the Rams after crossing the line 17th in a time of 20:38 at the 2022 meet.

Sitting in fifth place is Worcester State with 17 points. At her first MASCAC Championship, Leah Berg covered the 5k course with a time of 22:14, good enough for 40th place. 
 

Closing out the 2023 preseason poll are Massachusetts Maritime and MCLA in sixth and seventh with 12 points and six points, respectively. For the Buccaneers, they will look to Miranda Courteau this season. She finished the 2022 MASCAC Championship course in a time of 28:26. For the Trailblazers, Kristie Zator is back after covering the 5k course in 2022 with a time of 21:51 for 31st place.   

Over the next few weeks, the seven MASCAC men’s cross country teams will begin their season culminating with the MASCAC Championship on October 27 hosted by Worcester State.