FITCHBURG, MA: The Fitchburg State women's cross country team found themselves in the third spot in this year's MASCAC preseason poll. Westfield State was picked in the top spot by the six voting coaches. 

The Owls earned the top spot with four first place votes. During the 2023 Championship, Westfield State earned the team title, with its first five finishing in the top 10. Shea Hamel crossed first, and in second place was Shea Hamel, with a 5k time of 19:32.

Earning the other two first place votes is Bridgewater State in second. Naomi Cass was the first finisher across the line to earn the 2023 MASCAC Women's Cross Country Individual Champion with a time of 19:10 and All-Conference honors.

Fitchburg State and Framingham State are up next, tied for third. Skye Goba rounded out the top 10 last season with an All-Conference fourth place performance. She crossed the line in 20:04. For the Rams, Kate Buban was named the 2023 MASCAC Rookie of the Year after she was the top first time performer in eighth place with a time of 20:46.

Sitting in fifth place is Worcester State. At last year's championship, Leah Berg covered the 5k course with a time of 23:24, good enough for 22nd place.

Closing out the 2023 preseason poll is Massachusetts Maritime in sixth. Competing at the first MASCAC Championship, Lorelei Lee was the first Buccaneer across the line in 28th with a time of
24:03.

The six MASCAC women's cross country teams will begin their season over the next few weeks. The season culminates in the MASCAC Championship on November 2, hosted by Fitchburg State.

2024 MASCAC Women's Cross Country
Preseason Coaches Poll
(First Place Votes In Parentheses)
1. Westfield State (4) 24 points
2. Bridgewater State (2) 22 points
3. Fitchburg State 14 points
    Framingham State 14 points
5. Worcester State 11 points
6. Massachusetts Maritime 5 points

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