Toledo Picked 2nd in MAC Women’s Cross Country Preseason Poll

TOLEDO, Ohio – The Toledo women's cross country team has been picked to finish second in the Mid-American Conference preseason coaches' poll.

"Our goal is always to compete for MAC titles," said head coach Linh Nguyen. "Our women were second last year and I think we have a strong team back this year as well."

The Rockets are led by junior Athena Welsh, who led the team at last season's MAC Championships with a 10^th place. Welsh will be joined by top contenders senior Jennifer Lichter and senior Petronela Simiuc, who took 19th and 35th, respectively, at the conference championships.

Eastern Michigan was tabbed to repeat as conference champions with six first-place votes. After Toledo, Miami, Northern Illinois, and Bowling Green were picked to take third, fourth, and fifth, respectively. "Eastern, Miami, NIU, and others will also have strong teams so we'll need good health and quality training to compete," Nguyen said.

The Toledo men's team was picked ninth with 12 votes. Miami was chosen for first place with 81 points.

The Rockets open their season on Friday, Aug. 31 at the Ottawa Park Golf Course in Toledo, Ohio. Additionally, Toledo will be hosting the MAC Championship meet this year on Oct. 27.

The complete conference schedule can be found here.

2018 Women's MAC Cross Country Preseason Poll (First place votes) - points?
1. Eastern Mich. (6) – 127
2. Toledo (4) – 114
3. Miami (1) – 111
4. Northern Illinois – 101
5. Bowling Green - 85
6. Buffalo – 71
7. Central Mich. - 69
8. Western Mich. - 64
9. Ohio – 51
10. Akron – 36
11. Ball State – 30
12. Kent State - 23

2018 Men's MAC Cross Country Preseason Poll (First place votes) - points?
1. Miami (8) - 81
2. Eastern Mich. (1) - 66
3. Central Mich. - 58
4. Bowling Green - 51
5. Buffalo - 46
6. Akron - 43
7. Ohio - 35
8. Kent State - 22
9. Toledo – 12

Toledo Picked 2nd in MAC Women’s Cross Country Preseason Poll

Players Mentioned

Jennifer Lichter

Petronela Simiuc

Athena Welsh

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