Women's Cross Country 8/21/2019 10:14:00 AM

Christopher Newport Women's Cross Country Slotted Second in CAC Preseason Poll

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. -- The Christopher Newport women's cross country team was slotted second in the Capital Athletic Conference Preseason Poll, which was voted on by the league's head coaches and announced by the conference office on Wednesday morning.

In the rankings, the Captains earned 18 points, which placed them just behind York (Pa.). The Spartans picked up five first-place votes to secure the top spot, and Mary Washington tied Christopher Newport for second with 18 points. Meanwhile, Salisbury earned a first-place vote and finished fourth overall in the rankings, while Southern Virginia and St. Mary's (Md.) rounded out the group.

York is the defending conference champion after claiming its third straight crown in 2018. Christopher Newport finished third at last year's title meet.

The Captains feature a solid contingent of returning standouts entering 2019. Headlining the group, senior Monica Lannen collected first-team All-CAC honors last year after placing third at the conference championships. Later, she also secured All-Region nods following a 14th-place showing at the NCAA South / Southeast Championships.

Along with Lannen's awards, Samantha Dickerson, Logan Funk, and Jessica Lee were all named to the second-team All-Conference squad for their work last year. All three standouts eventually placed in the top-50 at the regional meet, while Lee brought home All-South / Southeast accolades for the third consecutive year.

In addition to the decorated returners, Christopher Newport brings back 13 other veteran contributors, including a seven-person senior class. Dickerson, Lannen, and Lee are joined by fellow fourth-year members Mariam Kolbai, Kelly McKinney, Abby Snyder, and Shannon Woods.

Under the guidance of first-year head coach Danny Feldman, the Captains will kick off the 2019 campaign on August 30 when the squad travels to Fredericksburg for the Mary Washington Cross Country Opener.

2019 CAC Women's Cross Country Preseason Poll