VALDOSTA, Ga. – The Valdosta State women's cross country team was picked sixth in the Gulf South Conference preseason poll, announced by the league office Wednesday.  

The GSC defending champion Lee topped the poll with 12 first-place votes and 144 total votes, while Mississippi College claimed the final first-place vote with 125 total points.  

Alabama Huntsville, Montevallo and Union rounded out the top five with 124 points, 104 points and 96 points, respectively.  The Blazers tied with West Florida with 77 points for sixth, while Christian Brothers follows with 69 points.  

Auburn Montgomery snagged the ninth spot with 67 points, while West Georgia (48), West Alabama (39), Delta State (28) and Shorter (16) rounded out the poll.  

Head Coach Todd Smoot welcomes back juniors Jaycie Anderson and Kyleigh Rice to the roster in addition to sophomore Caitlyn Koske. Smoot also welcomes three new faces, including freshmen Passion Leggett and Emily Phillips and junior Katie Lacroix, who came to Titletown from Brevard College. 

The Blazers begin the season hosting the VSU Border Clash on Sept. 2, at Freedom Park in Valdosta at 7 p.m.

Women's XC Preseason Poll 

First-place votes ( ) 

Lee (12) – 144 

Mississippi College (1) – 125 

Alabama Huntsville – 124 

Montevallo – 104 

Union – 96 

Valdosta State – 77 

West Florida – 77 

Christian Brothers – 69 

Auburn Montgomery – 67 

West Georgia – 48 

West Alabama – 39 

Delta State – 28 

Shorter – 16