WOMEN'S CROSS COUNTRY PICKED THIRD, MEN FIFTH IN BIG SKY PRESEASON POLL

8/18/2009

OGDEN, Utah — The Sacramento State women's cross country team was picked to finish third and men's team was tabbed for sixth in the preseason Big Sky Conference cross country coaches poll.

The Hornet women garnered 64 points and trailed only Northern Arizona (81) and Weber State (65). NAU received all nine first place votes.

Last season, Sacramento State recorded its highest finish in school history  by placing second at the championships behind NAU. The Hornets had three runners place in the top 10 and return two for 2009. The group is led by juniors Kristina Holtz and Renisha Robinson who finished sixth and seventh overall and senior Caprice Bradshaw who placed ninth. Senior Erin Lewis (20th), junior Lora Marchini (37th) and senior Lea Wallace (40th) also return to the squad.

The Hornet men tallied 35 points in the poll. Northern Arizona was also a unanimous pick for the men with 81 points and was followed by Weber State (69), Montana State (60), Eastern Washington (51) and Montana (47). The Hornets finished sixth at last season's Big Sky Championships but have to replace their top two finishers. Senior Scott Grose is the top returner on the team. Grose finished 29th overall at the Big Sky meet and ran the fifth fastest time in school history. Sophomore Chris Romo (31st), senior Jason Sey (35th), sophomore Kyle Lackner (36th), and sophomore Myko Lucas (47th) are also expected to return.

Sacramento State opens its 2009 season on Sept. 5 at the USF Invite. The team will host the Hornet Jamboree on Sept. 12 and compete at the Big Sky Championships in Greeley, Colo., on Oct. 31.