2021 NCAA DII Women’s Cross Country National Coaches’ Poll – Week 5
NEW ORLEANS – It was the last big push before Conference Championship Weekend.
It could be felt in the Week 5 edition of the NCAA Division II Women’s Cross Country National Coaches’ Poll that was released by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches’ Association (USTFCCCA) on Wednesday. The tie for No. 1 is no more, and while there was only one other change in the top-10, Nos. 11-30 all have a new face.
There will be no National Coaches’ Poll released next week as teams gear up for Conference Championship weekend. The next installment of the National Coaches’ Poll will be released on Wednesday, October 27.
NCAA Division II — Women's Cross Country
This Week's National Top Five
1
Adams State
Adams State
2
Grand Valley State
Grand Valley State
3
Augustana (S.D.)
Augustana (S.D.)
4
Colo. School of Mines
Colo. School of Mines
5
Lee (Tenn.)
Lee (Tenn.)
Cross Country Polls & Rankings
Adams State is the lone No. 1 in Week 5 after receiving five first-place votes. Grand Valley State, who fell to No. 2, received three first-place votes. No. 3 Augustana (S.D.), No. 4 Colorado School of Mines and No. 5 Lee (Tenn.) all held steady.
The only other change in the top-10 is by Simon Fraser, as SFU went from No. 11 to No. 9 following a two spot improvement. SFU easily won the WWU Bill Roe Classic with 41 points and had all five runners finish in the top-13.
Wingate continues to climb the national leaderboard, posting another program-best ranking at No. 11. The Bulldogs showcased their depth at the Royals XC Challenge this past weekend and will now gear up for a battle with No. 8 Queens (N.C.) at the SAC Championships on October 23.
Three teams moved up multiple spots in Week 5: No. 13 Southern Indiana (up two from No. 15); No. 19 Colorado Christian (up two from No. 21); No. 23 Saginaw Valley State (up three from No. 26). The Screaming Eagles placed second to Lee (Tenn.) at the UAH Invitational and 56 points ahead of former No. 19 (now No. 20) Dallas Baptist. The Cougars and Cardinals raced at the Lewis Crossover and finished third and fifth, respectively.
No. 18 Lewis, No. 25 Pittsburg State and co-No. 29 Winona State jumped into the National Coaches’ Poll after not being ranked in Week 4. The Flyers are making their first appearance in the top-30 since 2016 after capturing runner-up honors at the Lewis Crossover. The Gorillas placed fourth at the UAH Invitational, while the Warriors finished three points behind former No. 21 (now No. 22) Minnesota State for second place at the Bob Waxlax Invitational.
Moving from the Land of Receiving Votes to the top-30 is co-No. 29 Lenoir-Rhyne.
Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 20, as the 2021 NCAA Division II Cross Country Championships will take place at Abbey Golf Course in Tampa, Florida!
