WASHINGTON -- Loyola Chicago is the preseason favorite and predicted to win its fourth consecutive Atlantic 10 Conference Women’s Cross Country Chapionship, the league announced on Wednesday. The preseason poll was voted on by the conference coaches.

Loyola Chicago was a near unanimous favorite with the Ramblers garnering 13 first-place votes and 209 points. Since Loyola Chicago joined the A-10, the Ramblers have won three consecutive championship titles. Roisin Treacy returns for the Ramblers after she placed seventh overall at last year’s championship. 

La Salle received the final first place vote and was predicted to finish second with 182 points. The Explorers have the return of Gwenno Goode, who was the individual champion last year.

George Mason, Richmond and George Washington were third, fourth and fifth, respectively, in the preseason poll. The Patriots finished third at the 2024 A-10 Championship with three top 20 finishes. George Mason received 177 points, while Richmond had 157 and George Washington 151. 

Duquesne garnered 133 points and Dayton had 112 points to place sixth and seventh, respectively. Saint Louis had 108 points, Rhode Island tallied 102 points and Davidson had 95 points round out the top 10. Saint Joseph’s, Fordham, VCU and St. Bonaventure complete the women’s cross country preseason poll.  

The women’s cross country season begins Friday, August 29. The A-10 Women’s Cross Championship is set for November 1 at the Elvin R. King Cross Country Course in Cedarville, Ohio and hosted by Dayton.  

Below is the complete preseason poll. First place votes are in parentheses.  

Women's Cross Country Preseason Poll 

1. Loyola Chicago (13) - 209

2. La Salle (1)  - 182

3. George Mason - 177

4. Richmond - 157

5. George Washington - 151 

6. Duquesne - 133

7. Dayton - 112

8. Saint Louis - 108

9. Rhode Island - 102

10. Davidson - 95

11. Saint Joseph's - 84 

12. Fordham - 80

13. VCU - 43

14. St. Bonaventure - 31