Greenville Favorite in Women's Cross Country

Greenville University has been chosen as the preseason favorite in St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Women's Cross Country. They received six first-place votes and 42 total points from league coaches. Head Coach Brian Patton says goodbye to All-Conference runners Hannah Williams and Emma Leonhard but is hoping the return of several injured runners (Vanessa Compton, Leah Brown, and Aryn Scott) can step up. Among the list of returners are All-Conference performers Gretchen Carie, Olivia Mansfield, and Sedina Logan. Top newcomers include freshmen Brook Schutt and Norah Swinigan.  

Finishing 2nd on the poll with one first-place nod and 34 total points is Principia College. Head Coach Nick Barron will have to do without a long-time fixture and former All-Conference runner Emme Schaefer after her graduation. However, she will be part of the coaching staff and will look to help bring along a trio of freshmen in Joy Onyechi, Sarah Erickson, and Sarah Fakorede. The list of returners includes Laura Mayo and Genna Richards who placed 14th and 15th at last year's championship. Also back are Kyrstyn Cieply and Sophie Ungerleider. 

Defending champion Webster University was picked 3rd with 30 points. The Gorloks lost three top 13 runners from last year's championship in Danielle Schultz, Cora Reed, and Michelle Grant. However, new head coach Kyle Robinson can form his team around seniors Kyanne Williams and Megan Bartz. Williams was the individual champion last fall after besting the field by 15-seconds. Meanwhile, Bartz finished 12th at the championship meet to earn All-Conference honors. Freshman Aissata Kamara will be a part of the lineup as well. 

Eureka College totaled 27 points to finish 4th in the voting. Head Coach Chris Robinson continues to build up the program since its relaunch. He relies on the leadership of Riley Reuter to guide the team on the course and she will have some help this fall with junior transfers Karissa Heffernan and Sarah Kimbro. Also back from last year's team are Isabella Carbajall and Odessa Grove while freshmen Rachel Fisher and Jaden Randall give the team added depth. 

Blackburn College picked up 25 total points. The Beavers bring back team captain Olivia Leemon, who was the team's top runner in three meets last season. She is joined by fellow returners Liz Morris and Holly Lucheck. Head Coach Al Sturgeon has added several new faces to the team including Keeleigh Pilcher, Michaeala Moulton, Nicky Valverde, Savannah Branham, and Brianna Bruemmer. 

Westminster College finished 14 points. Head Coach Tyler Yunk brings in freshman Natalie Stewert and will look to build the program around her this fall. 

Fontbonne University received 13 points. 

Spalding University tallied 11 points.