FREDERICKSBURG, Va. -- The Christopher Newport cross country teams each secured a first-place vote and were ranked second overall in the Coast-to-Coast Athletic Conference Preseason Coaches Polls, which were released on Friday by the league office.

Both the men and women received 31 total points and a first-place vote in the preseason rankings. UC Santa Cruz was tabbed as the favorite on both sides after securing 36 points and six first-place votes.

Trailing the top-two programs, Salisbury was selected third in both polls, while Mary Washington and Pratt followed close behind. On the men's side, Finlandia and Warren Wilson were tied for sixth in the rankings, while Finlandia was chosen sixth and Warren Wilson was seventh for the women.

Last year, Christopher Newport placed second at the league meet in both races. The men trailed UC Santa Cruz by only 14 points, while the women accumulated 43 points, which was 15 behind the Banana Slugs.

The Captains welcome back several award-winning runners from last year's program. Daniel Ferrante and Nick Tolarchyk both received All-Conference recognition on the men's side, while Madi Rawlings and Mae Savoie were celebrated for the women.

Along with the decorated veterans, Sam Koltisko also placed 19th at last year's league meet, while Nathanael Ferrante brought home All-Region nods. Additionally, Claire Garster, Eliza Dana, and Lex McGrail all added top-25 efforts at the league meet for the women.

Christopher Newport will open the year on September 3 when the Captains take part in the Spider Alumni Open in Mechanicsville, Virginia.

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