AUGUSTA, Ga. - The Flagler College women's cross country team was picked to finish in first place in the Peach Belt Conference, according to the preseason coaches' poll released this afternoon (Aug. 16) by conference officials.

The Saints are the four- time defending champions and earned six votes, totaling 96 points.

Head coach/ director of cross country and track, Brian Beil, is entering his 11^th season at Flagler after earning his fourth consecutive PBC Women's Cross Country Coach of the Year award in 2021. Flagler welcomes back all-conference runners Megan Churchill and Monika Kubai, who both placed in the top 10 at the PBC Championship in 2021.

Flagler welcomes 14 returning players and 16 newcomers to the team. The Saints lost Therese Schuhenn and Jessie Mescal this season, who were both all-region and all-conference runners.

The University of North Georgia received two first-place votes going into the year with 90 points. In 2021, the Nighthawks finished second at the PBC Championship. Augusta University was picked to finish third with 87 points and three first-place votes. The rest of the poll: 4) Georgia College (69 pts); 5) Columbus State University (67pts); 6) Young Harris College (49pts); 7) Georgia Southwestern State University (45pts); 8) Lander University (30pts); 9) Clayton State University (27 pts); 10) USC Beaufort (26pts); 11) USC Aiken (19pts)

The Saints begin their season on Sept. 2 at the Valdosta State University Border Clash at 7 p.m. The PBC Championship will be on Nov. 5 on Beech Island, S.C.
 
2022 Peach Belt Women's Cross Country Preseason Coaches' Poll
1. Flagler (6) 96
2. North Georgia (2) 90
3. Augusta (3) 87
4. Georgia College 69
5. Columbus State 67
6. Young Harris 49
7. Georgia Southwestern 45
8. Lander 30
9. Clayton State 27
10. USC Beaufort 26
11. USC Aiken 19
 
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