FAIRMONT, W.Va. — West Liberty University has been picked to finish eighth in the 2026 Mountain East Conference women's cross country preseason poll, as voted on by the league's 11 head coaches.
The Hilltoppers received 53 points in the preseason voting. Davis & Elkins, the reigning MEC champion, was selected as the preseason favorite after receiving seven first-place votes and 104 points. Charleston received the other four first-place votes and finished second with 101 points.
Point Park was picked third with 92 points, followed by Glenville State (82), Frostburg State (64), West Virginia Wesleyan (62) and Shawnee State (57). West Liberty was eighth with 53 points, followed by Concord (48), Fairmont State (32) and Wheeling (20).
Davis & Elkins went on to finish 23rd at the 2025 NCAA Division II Women's Cross Country Championship after winning the MEC championship.
The 2026 MEC women's cross country season is scheduled to begin Thursday, Sept. 3, with West Liberty opening its season by hosting the West Liberty Invitational.
2026 MEC Women's Cross Country Preseason Poll
- Davis & Elkins — 104 (7)
- Charleston — 101 (4)
- Point Park — 92
- Glenville State — 82
- Frostburg State — 64
- West Virginia Wesleyan — 62
- Shawnee State — 57
- West Liberty — 53
- Concord — 48
- Fairmont State — 32
- Wheeling — 20
Coaches were not permitted to vote for their own team.
West Liberty University blends a small-town environment with a comprehensive college experience, fostering students' aspirations through hands-on learning, personalized support, and unique academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Learn more at
westliberty.edu.
