Lady Buffs remain no. 2 in latest national poll
SEPTEMBER 20, 2007 -- The Milligan College women's cross country team remained in the no. 2 spot in this weeks national poll released Wednesday by the NAIA.
For the second week in a row, Canada's Simon Fraser University is the no. 1 ranked team with 208 points, followed by Milligan with 195 points. California's Asuza Pacific University moved up two spots to join the Lady Buffs in the no. 2 spot with 195 points.
After racing two consecutive weekends, the Lady Buffs stand at 26-2 with their only losses to North Carolina and UNC-Charlotte.
Senior MacKenzie LaBonte led Milligan's women with top five finishes at both the Eye Opener Invitational and App State's State Farm Open. LaBonte opened the season with a lifetime best 5k time of 18:30, and backed it up with a time of 18:55 on a soggy App State course. Junior Jacklyn Talbert and senior Erika Fox have been mainstays at the no. 2 and no. 3 spots, respectively.
"Our women are just beginning to realize how fast they can run, so we're excited to see what the rest of the season brings," said head coach Chris Layne.
Milligan's men also remained in the no. 2 spot in this weeks NAIA Region 12 poll behind conference foe Bryan College.
The Buffs have been led by freshman Benjamin Ronoh who won the Eye Opener Invite and finished second at the State Farm Open.
"Our men are young, with a few behind coming in this Fall, but I believe these guys will make a big push by seasons end," said Layne.
Both squads are idle before traveling to Orlando to compete in the Disney Cross Country Classic on October 6.