LOCK HAVEN, Pa. - The coaches of the PSAC have projected Millersville women's cross country to another strong championship finish as the team was ranked sixth in the annual PSAC Preseason Poll. 

Millersville finished sixth in 2023 and 2024, and despite losing PSAC Championship runner-up and national qualifier Morgan Janiuk and 2023 All-PSAC performer Hannah Sweda, the conference is bullish on the Marauders' chances to remain in the upper tier.

Head coach Andy Young enters his 20th year at the helm and returns a veteran squad with five runners who placed in the conference's top 80 last season. Bri Pollock, an All-PSAC Second Team honoree with a 20th-place finish in 2024, is the top returner. She served as the Marauders' No. 2 runner behind Janiuk and also produced a solid indoor track and field season with a 10th-place finish in the mile at the PSAC Championships. Pollock missed the outdoor season with an injury but is ready for the cross country campaign. Junior Marissa Mounce, seniors Olivia Sunderland, Emilea Alleman, and Breia Mayes bring championship experience. In the spring, Alleman placed 10th in the outdoor championship's 10K and Mayes took 11th in the 3,000-meter steeplechase. Young also expects sophomore Bella Ruefle and freshmen Kira Chebishev and Maeve Boyes to compete for a spot in the lineup. 

Reigning conference champion Slippery Rock is favored again, receiving 10 of 17 first-place votes. East Stroudsburg landed six first-place votes, and Shippensburg ranked third with one first-place vote. 

Millersville opens with a 3K alumni run at Freedom Park on Aug. 29, and competition begins in earnest on Sept. 6 with the Dutchmen Invitational. 

Preseason Poll
1. Slippery Rock (10)
2. East Stroudsburg (6)
3. Shippensburg (1)
4. Kutztown
5. Bloomsburg
6. Millersville
7. West Chester
8. Edinboro
9. Lock Haven
10. Gannon
11. IUP
12. Clarion
13. California
14. Pitt-Johnstown
15. Seton Hill
16. Mansfield
17. Shepherd