Women’s cross country picked third in Landmark preseason poll

HUNTINGDON, Pa. – The Juniata College women’s cross country team received 60 points and was picked to finish third in this season’s championship, in preseason voting of the league’s head coaches and sports information directors released on Thursday. 

Defending champion Susquehanna University was picked to repeat as champions, earning 77 points in the poll. The University of Scranton was second with 67 points, followed by Juniata. 

Catholic University was fourth in the voting with 55 points, followed by Moravian College (42 points) in fifth place, Drew University (29 points) in sixth, Goucher College (22 points) in seventh, and Merchant Marine (12 points) in eighth. 

The Eagles finished second in last season’s Landmark Conference championship meet, which was hosted on the Eagles’ home course at Fort Roberdeau Historic Site. 

The 2009 squad is led by senior Laura Rupprecht (Jefferson, Md./Brunswick), who was a First team All-Landmark Conference selection last season. Other top returning runners include Megan McQuillan (Severna Park, Md./Seton Keough), who finished 15^th at the 2009 Landmark meet, and sophomore Jessica Koenig (Milford, Pa./Delaware Valley), who placed 18^th.

Juniata opens its 2009 season on Saturday, Sept. 5, when it participates in the Duquesne Duals in Pittsburgh.

Complete preseason poll results are listed below:

LANDMARK CONFERENCE

2009 Preseason Women’s Cross Country Poll

1. Susquehanna University – 77 pts.

2. University of Scranton – 70 pts.

3. Juniata College – 60 pts.

4. Catholic University – 55 pts.

5. Moravian College – 42 pts.

6. Drew University – 29 pts.

7. Goucher College – 22 pts.

8. Merchant Marine – 12 pts.