Cal State L.A. surges in Division II women

Sept. 26, 2007 

Cal State L.A. surges in Division II women’s cross country rankings 

NEW ORLEANS – Cal State L.A., Missouri Southern State, Minnesota Duluth and Wayne State (MI) all made significant moves in the Division II women’s cross country poll released today by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association. 

Adams State and Western State kept the 1-2 positioning they held in the previous poll released last week while Grand Valley State moved up one spot to third.  

But there was considerable jockeying behind the top three, led by Cal State L.A., which improved three spots to No. 4 following its victory at the Pepperdine Invitational. With senior Karla Alburez finishing second individually, the Golden Eagles scored 64 points to finish in front of Division I schools Cal State Fullerton and USC.  

Missouri Southern State moved up 12 spots to No. 9. The Lions finished second in the Missouri Stampede, defeating 10^th-ranked UC San Diego, No. 12 Pittsburg State and 16^th-ranked Southwest Baptist. Southwest Baptist also made a big jump in this week’s poll, climbing seven spots.

Unranked two weeks ago, Minnesota Duluth raced to No. 17 in this week’s poll following a close second-place finish at the Quest IV meet in Duluth. UMD sophomore Liz Palkie won the individual title. 

This week’s top 10 consists of Adams State, Western State, Grand Valley State, Cal State L.A., Augustana (SD), Chico State, Seattle Pacific, Wisconsin Parkside, Missouri Southern State and UC San Diego. 

Abilene Christian is ranked first in the USTFCCCA Division II men’s poll. For complete rankings, visit www.ustfccca.org. 

The 2007 NCAA Division II Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Championships will be held Nov. 17 in Joplin, Mo. 

USTFCCCA Division II Women’s Cross Country rankings

Sept. 26, 2007 

1. Adams State
2. Western State
3. Grand Valley State
4. Cal State Los Angeles
5. Augustana (SD)
6. Chico State
7. Seattle Pacific
8. Wisconsin Parkside
9. Missouri Southern
10. UC San Diego
11. Abilene Christian
12. Pittsburg State
13. Kutztown
14. North Dakota
15. Bloomsburg
16. Southwest Baptist
17. Minnesota-Duluth
18. Findlay
19. Wayne State University
20. Edinboro
21. Alabama Huntsville
22. Tampa
23. Stonehill
24. Harding
25. (tie) Dallas Baptist
26. (tie) Southern Indiana