CANYON, TX- The West Texas A&M Lady Buffs were ranked #16 in the preseason poll by the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) announced by the NCAA Division II Women's Cross Country National Coaches poll for the 2023 season. The poll is conducted by counting votes from eight member coaches, one from each of the division's eight regions. 
 
The West Texas A&M Lady Buffs were voted 16^th on the national poll and received 112 points. In addition to being ranked 16^thnationally, the Lady Buffs were voted to finish seventh in the regional rankings. WT was only one of two Lone Star Conference teams selected to finish in the top-10 of the regional rankings. Dallas Baptist was picked to finish eighth just below the Lady Buffs. 
 
South Central Region rival, Adams State, was picked to finish first regionally and nationally with 240 points. Grand Valley State, Colorado School of Mines, UC-Colorado Springs and Winona State round out the top five nationally. 
 
COMING UP
The Lady Buffs will compete in their first race of the 2023 season this Friday, Sept. 1 at the Big Country Festival in Abilene, Texas. The womens division will start their 5k race at 6:30 p.m.