August 24, 2005 
Contact: Cory Blackson, Sports Information Director

Christopher Newport Picked as Women's Cross Country Favorite

(FAYETTEVILLE, N.C.) - Christopher Newport University, under the direction of 10th-year Head Coach Keith Maurer, was picked in the preseason coaches' poll to defend its USA South Athletic Conference women's cross country title in 2005.  The Captains are the seven-time defending USA South champions and have won nine of the 10 USA South Women's Cross Country Championships held.

Christopher Newport received seven of eight first place votes (49 points) as head coaches do not vote for their own teams in the balloting.

Greensboro College finished second in the balloting with 40 points and one first place vote.  Peace College rounded out the top-three as the Pacers collected 28 points.

The women's cross country gets underway on Saturday, September 3 when Christopher Newport, Peace, Shenandoah University and Ferrum College all participate in various meets.
 

2005 USA South Coaches Poll
Rank	Institution (1st place Votes)	Pts.
1.	Christopher Newport (7)	49
2.	Greensboro (1)	40
3.	Peace	28
4.	Shenandoah	27
5.	Methodist	26
6.	Ferrum	24
7.	N.C. Wesleyan	16
8.	Averett	14