NEW ORLEANS – The USF women's cross country team starts the 2017 season ranked 10th in the National preseason poll and third the 2017 NCAA West Region, released on Monday and Tuesday afternoon by the US Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association.
The 10th place ranking is tied for the best ranking in Dons history, matching its ranking during the fourth week of the 2013 season. But, the women's highest post season ranking was last year when they finished the season rnaked 6th.
Last year, the Dons finished the year in third in the West Region, led by All-American Charlotte Taylor, and All-WCC Marie Bouchard.
USF returns a majority of their team from 2016, and welcomes a whole host of newcomers to the program, including graduate transfer Lizzie Bird from Princeton University.
On the men's side, the team comes in at 11th in the always-competitive NCAA West Region.
Last year, the Dons finished the year in eighth in the West Region. After three key losses, USF will be led Mohamed Aziz, Ben Alcock, Caleb McClain and Hugh Nickalson, along with eight incoming transfers and freshmen to bolster the squad.
The Dons begin the 2017 campaign with the San Francisco Invitational in Golden Gate Park at Speedway Meadows on Sept. 2.
