Women’s cross country picked second in preseason coaches poll

BYU women’s cross-country was picked to finish second in West Coast Conference in the preseason coaches’ poll released Wednesday.

“We are grateful for the respect and we look forward to a great year,” BYU head coach Patrick Shane said. “There are several other good programs in the conference that are on the move. We will get a better idea midseason of how accurate that poll is.”

San Francisco (80 pts) was picked to win the conference and received eight of the 10 first place votes. The Cougars (70 pts) received one first place vote. Portland (68 pts) was picked third and received one first place vote.

Natalie Shields was the lone Cougar placed on the preseason All-WCC team. Shields finished fourth at last year’s WCC Championships.

BYU placed third at last year’s conference meet led by Shields, followed by Rachel Stewart who finished 18th overall. Lindsey Sowards Nielson, Sarah Darby and Michaelanne Laurent who finished 21st, 22nd and 23rd overall, respectively.