Women’s Cross Country Share Top Spot in 2019 NECC Preseason Coaches’ Poll
MANSFIELD, Mass. – Elms College and Lesley University share the top spot in the 2019 NECC Preseason Coaches Poll, with both institutions tallying 32 points. Defending champions Elms College earned the majority of first-place vote with four. The Blazers will be under the direction of first-year head coach, Tyler Raymond, and will be returning two top-ten finishers from their championship squad, Emily Guillerault (East Granby, Conn.) and Tyana Medina(Springfield, Mass.). Guillerault and Medina were both first team All-NECC performers, finishing with times of 22:26.00 and 22:14.00, respectively.
The Lynx collected two of the first place votes in the poll, and will look to their top returner from last season, Kayla Ranere (Danbury, Conn.), to make an impact. Ranere finished seventh with a time of 22:44.00 to earn first team All-NECC accolades in 2018.
Finishing third in the poll with 24 points, including the remaining first place vote, is Eastern Nazarene College. First year head coach Kylie Waldroop will have the luxury of coaching the returning NECC Runner and Rookie of the Year, Rodelina Kingsley (Lawrence, Mass.). Kingsley led all runners with a time of 21:10.00 and also picked up first team All-NECC honors for her efforts.
Mitchell College was voted into the fourth slot, with a total of 19 points. Chad Johnson will take over coaching duties, and will look to returner Grace Burns(Ridgefield, Conn.) to help lead the young Mariner squad.
New England College (18), Bay Path University (13) and Dean College (9) will each look to be in the mix for a shot at the 2019 crown.
2019 NECC Women's Cross Country Preseason Coaches Poll
T1. Elms College- 32(4)
T1. Lesley University- 32(2)
- Eastern Nazarene College- 24(1)
- Mitchell College- 19
- New England College- 18
- Bay Path University- 13
- Dean College- 9