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Toledo was selected first in the MAC Preseason Coaches Poll.
Photo by: Ellen Holton
Toledo Leads the Way in MAC Women’s Preseason Coaches Poll
8/27/2026 11:00:00 AM | Women's Cross Country
Rockets looking to become first women’s program ever to win six consecutive outright MAC titles
TOLEDO, Ohio – The Toledo women's cross country team was selected first in the Mid-American Conference Preseason Coaches' poll, the league office announced on Thursday. The Rockets are looking to become the first women's program ever to win six consecutive outright MAC titles in Kalamazoo, Mich. on Oct. 30.
Toledo received 11 first-place votes with a total of 121 points. Ohio was predicted for a second-place finish with 101 points, with Western Michigan tabbed for third with 87 points and a first-place vote.
Toledo has four First-Team All-MAC honorees – Karina James, Melody Jebiwot, Dorcas Kiptanui, and Lianna Surtz – returning from last year. James and Surtz also earned NCAA Great Lakes All-Region honors in 2025.
James became the eighth Rocket ever to win the individual MAC title. She also earned Great Lakes All-Region team honors with a 13th-place finish.
Jebiwot placed fourth at last year's MAC Championships and just missed NCAA Great Lakes Regional honors with her 26th-place finish.
Kiptanui finished fifth at the MAC Championships, while Surtz was seventh in addition to placing 22nd at the Great Lakes Regional.
Toledo will open its 2026 season at Michigan State's Spartan Invitational on Friday, Sept. 11 in East Lansing, Mich.
2026 MAC Women's Cross Country Preseason Coaches' Poll
First Place Votes in ()
1. Toledo – 121 pts. (11)
2. Ohio – 101 pts.
3. Western Michigan – 87 pts. (1)
4. Bowling Green – 80 pts.
5. Central Michigan – 78 pts.
6. Miami – 75 pts.
7. UMass – 74 pts.
8. Akron – 57 pts.
9. Eastern Michigan – 48 pts.
10. Ball State – 34 pts.
11. Buffalo – 26 pts.
12. Kent State – 11 pts.
Toledo received 11 first-place votes with a total of 121 points. Ohio was predicted for a second-place finish with 101 points, with Western Michigan tabbed for third with 87 points and a first-place vote.
Toledo has four First-Team All-MAC honorees – Karina James, Melody Jebiwot, Dorcas Kiptanui, and Lianna Surtz – returning from last year. James and Surtz also earned NCAA Great Lakes All-Region honors in 2025.
James became the eighth Rocket ever to win the individual MAC title. She also earned Great Lakes All-Region team honors with a 13th-place finish.
Jebiwot placed fourth at last year's MAC Championships and just missed NCAA Great Lakes Regional honors with her 26th-place finish.
Kiptanui finished fifth at the MAC Championships, while Surtz was seventh in addition to placing 22nd at the Great Lakes Regional.
Toledo will open its 2026 season at Michigan State's Spartan Invitational on Friday, Sept. 11 in East Lansing, Mich.
2026 MAC Women's Cross Country Preseason Coaches' Poll
First Place Votes in ()
1. Toledo – 121 pts. (11)
2. Ohio – 101 pts.
3. Western Michigan – 87 pts. (1)
4. Bowling Green – 80 pts.
5. Central Michigan – 78 pts.
6. Miami – 75 pts.
7. UMass – 74 pts.
8. Akron – 57 pts.
9. Eastern Michigan – 48 pts.
10. Ball State – 34 pts.
11. Buffalo – 26 pts.
12. Kent State – 11 pts.
Friday, May 30
Tuesday, May 27
Monday, November 04
Monday, October 14
