Bridgewater, NJ - The Northeast Conference has released their women's cross country preseason poll with Mercyhurst coming in eighth in the NEC. The Lakers are excited to take on a new challenge this year as they begin their first season as a Division I program with fifth year head coach, Mike Williamson.

After finishing 14th in the PSAC last season, Mercyhurst looks forward to establishing themselves in their new conference. The Lakers had an excellent season last year, coming in 3rd at Race in the Park, 29th at the Lock Haven Invitational, 5th at the Carnegie Mellon Invitational, and 19th at the NCAA Atlantic Region Meet. After losing three seniors, Mercyhurst hopes to rely on their upperclassmen to continue the success from last season.

Top runners Mikaela LeBaron, a senior, and Eleanor Chuzie, a graduate student, will return this season to continue leading the team. LeBaron is coming off an outstanding season, placing 23rd at the Carnegie Mellon Invitational with a 5K time of 20:57 and 94th at NCAA Atlantic Regionals with a 6K time of 23:40. Chuzie also comes off an excellent season, placing 20th at the Carnegie Mellon Invitational with a 5K time of 20:49 and 106th at NCAA Atlantic Regionals with a 6K time of 23:59. Their impressive times along with their outstanding leadership will guide the Lakers towards success in just a few short weeks. The Lakers kick off their season at the Father Bede Invitational on Saturday, August 31st.