WOMEN'S CROSS COUNTRY CHOSEN THIRD IN PRESEASON POLL

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. - The University of New Hampshire women's cross country team was picked to finish third in the 2009 America East women's cross country preseason coaches' poll. UNH earned 49 points to finish behind Stony Brook (64) and Boston University (56).

Finishing third last year, the Wildcats will be dependent on the leadership of its returning top-ten finisher, junior Erica Jesseman (Scarborough, Maine). Jesseman, who finished 10th at the championship, had a strong indoor showing during the 2009 season and will lead the Wildcats in their search for their first championship title since 2003.

2009 America East Women's Cross Country Preseason Coaches' Poll
Rank    Team (1st-place votes)        Total
1.         Stony Brook (8)                       64
2.         Boston University (1)               56
3.         New Hampshire                     49
4.         Vermont                                 37
5.         Maine                                     32
6.         Binghamton                            30
7.         Albany                                    27
8.         UMBC                                     20
9.         Hartford                                   9