LHU women’s cross country team picked third in preseason coaches’ poll.
LOCK HAVEN, PA – The Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Thursday announced the 2021 preseason women’s cross country coaches’ poll and the Lock Haven University women’s cross country team was picked to finish third out of 18 total teams.
Edinboro, the only team to beat LHU at the 2020-21 PSAC championships, was tabbed as the preseason favorite for this fall. Seton Hill was ranked No. 2, one spot ahead of Lock Haven (No. 3), while Slippery Rock and Shippensburg checked in at No. 4 and No. 5, respectively in the preseason rankings. The full rankings are listed below.
Although the 2020-21 season started in late February, looked a little different and was shorter than normal because of the COVID-19 global pandemic, the Bald Eagles did compete on the cross country course last season and the PSAC held a championship.
The 2020-21 PSAC championships were held on March 20 on Lock Haven’s home course and the Bald Eagles finished second overall in the team standings. The second-place team finish matched the Bald Eagles best team finish in school history. The women’s team was also second back in 2000.
Both Cadie Kiser (fourth) and Elaina Klinger (ninth) ran to All-Conference honors in March and the duo will look to lead the way again this fall. Standouts Morgan Perry and Karlee Noel provide veteran experience and leadership, and both followed up solid cross country outings with strong outdoor track & field campaigns last spring.
Back in 2019, LHU was sixth at the PSAC championships, before placing fifth at the NCAA Division II Atlantic Region championship meet.
Overall, The Haven women have finished in the top-10 at the last seven PSAC championship meets.
On Thursday, September 2, LHU will officially open the 2021 season and it will come in traditional fashion as the Bald Eagles will host Division I Penn State in dual-meet action. The September 2 Dolan Duals vs. Penn State will be one of four collegiate meets that Lock Haven will host. One of those four meets hosted by The Haven this fall will be the 2021 NCAA Division II Atlantic Region championships.
The 2021 PSAC championships are scheduled for Friday, October 22 at Kutztown University. The full 2021 LHU women’s cross country schedule is available at GoLHU.com.
2021 PSAC Women’s Cross Country Preseason Coaches’ Poll – –
1. Edinboro
2. Seton Hill
3. Lock Haven
4. Slippery Rock
5. Shippensburg
6. Gannon
7. IUP
8. Bloomsburg
9. West Chester
10. Kutztown
11. East Stroudsburg
12. Cal U
13. Clarion
14. Millersville
15. Mansfield
16. Pitt-Johnstown
17. Mercyhurst
18. Shepherd
