CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – The America East conference announced Tuesday that the University of New Hampshire women’s cross country team has finished second in the 2008 preseason coaches’ poll.
   
UNH compiled 52 points to finish in a tie with Boston University, 11 points behind defending champion Stony Brook University (63). Stony Brook received seven of a possible eight first-place votes, while Boston U. garnered the other first-place vote.

The Wildcats held the second overall spot last year but will need youngsters such as sophomores Erica Jesseman (Scarborough, Maine) and Allison Letourneau (Kingston, Nova Scotia), and junior Laura LaPlante (Peterborough, N.H.) to fill the spot of All-American Cathy Parker.
   
UNH opens its season Saturday, Aug. 30 at 11:45 a.m. when it hosts Boston College, Providence College and Georgia College at College Woods.


2008 America East Women’s Cross Country Preseason Poll
First place votes in parentheses

    1. Stony Brook (7)                    63
    T-2. Boston University (2)    52
    T-2. New Hampshire               52
    3. Binghamton                          40
    5. Maine                                     39
    6. Albany                                   25
    7. UMBC                                    24
    8. Vermont                                 20
    9. Hartford                                    9