NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – The University of Dayton women's cross country team was selected to finish second in the Atlantic 10 preseason poll as voted upon by the league's 14 head coaches.
The Flyers received one first-place vote and a total of 171 points. Dayton took second place overall at the 2016 Atlantic Championship, led by Taylor Vernot's fourth-place finish in 17:24.5, the second-fastest 5k time in Dayton women's cross country history.

The UD men's team was selected to repeat as A-10 champions in 2017. 

"We are excited to have been voted first and second in the men's and women's preseason polls," said head coach Jason Ordway. "Both teams are looking forward to an opportunity to match or improve upon last season. We've had a great summer buildup in our training and now we'll focus on sharpening up throughout the season and, most importantly, staying healthy. We're fortunate to have competitive upperclassmen leading the way and helping teach our younger student-athletes the skills necessary to be competitive into the future.

"The women are hoping to continue pressing up the rankings with most of our top runners returning," he added. "Seniors Emily Leonard, Grace McDonald, and Nicole Steinbicker, along with juniors Taylor Vernot and Emily Borchers, and sophomore Chloe Flora should be able to form a very competitive top six. We are excited to get into our first race this weekend to see where we are at fitness wise."

Chloe Flora was right behind her in 17:26.7, the third-fastest 5k time in Flyer history. Flora was the fastest freshman of the race, earning Rookie of the Year honors; she is the first Flyer to ever earn the honor. Vernot and Flora both earned all-conference honors.
Grace McDonald (22^nd in 18:03.2) and Kaci Bornhorst (25^th in 18:05.0) also finished in the top 25 at the 2016 championship.

Richmond, who won the title in 2016, was selected to repeat at the A-10 Champion.

Dayton opens the 2017 season this Saturday, Sept. 2 at the Queen City Invitational in West Chester, Ohio. The 2017 Atlantic 10 Women's Cross Country Championship will be hosted by George Mason University at Oatlands Plantation in Leesburg, Va. on Oct. 28. 


2017 A-10 Women's Cross Country Predicted Order of Finish
(number in parentheses includes first-place votes)

1. Richmond (12)	194
2. Dayton (1)	171
3. Davidson (1)	161
4. Duquesne	160
5. George Washington	130
6. Massachusetts	124
7. Saint Joseph's	104
8. Saint Louis	84
9. George Mason	83
10. Fordham	82
11. La Salle	75
12. VCU	54
13. Rhode Island	33
14. St. Bonaventure	15