ELON, N.C. – The Elon women’s cross country squad was picked fourth in the Southern Conference preseason coaches’ poll.  The Phoenix received 75 points, 12 behind first-place pick Chattanooga.

“We have a very young, strong team which will be very competitive in the conference this year,” said head coach Jackie Sgambati. “Our top five are returning with incoming freshmen creating depth.”

Elon returns 11 runners from last year’s team that finished fourth at the SoCon Championship in 2006, including 2006 SoCon Freshman of the Year Caitlin Beeler.

Chattanooga received eight first-place votes, and Davidson was second with three first-place votes and 90 points. 

The Elon men were selected tied for sixth place in the men’s preseason poll. 

Women’s 2007 Cross Country Preseason Poll
1. Chattanooga (8) - 97
2. Davidson (3) - 90
3. Appalachian State - 81
4. Elon - 75
5. Furman - 61
6. College of Charleston - 58
7. Western Carolina - 41
8t.The Citadel - 35
8t. UNC Greensboro - 35
10. Georgia Southern - 20
11. Wofford - 12

Men’s 2007 Cross Country Preseason Poll
1. Appalachian State (9) - 81
2. Furman - 66
3. Chattanooga (1) - 61
4. UNC Greensboro - 59
5. Davidson - 53
6t.Elon - 34
6t.College of Charleston - 34
8. The Citadel - 31
9. Western Carolina - 21
10. Wofford - 10