BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. -- Wheeling Jesuit has been chosen as the favorite to win the 2013 Mountain East Conference women's cross country championship. The poll was conducted by the league's head coaches.

The Cardinals finished with six first-place votes and 105 points, just narrowly finishing in front of West Virginia Wesleyan. The Bobcats collected four first-place votes and 101 points.

Wheeling Jesuit graduated two of its top runners from last year, but still return Jennifer McFarland and Michelle Pottratz, each of whom earned All-WVIAC first team honors a season ago, as well as Melanie Hannan, a All-WVIAC second team honoree in 2012. WJU finished sixth at the NCAA Atlantic Regional meet last year.

West Virginia Wesleyan will be led by 2012 All-WVIAC second team honorees Rachel Hulett and Loren McDaniel.

Charleston just edged Concord in the poll, 83-80, for third place. West Liberty was tabbed for fifth place with 69 points, followed by Notre Dame and Fairmont State in a tie for sixth with 57. UVa-Wise (36) was predicted to finish eighth, while Urbana (32), Glenville State (28) and West Virginia State (12) rounded out the poll.

The Mountain East Conference championships will be held Saturday, Oct. 26, by Concord University.

2013 Mountain East Conference Women's Cross Country Preseason Poll
1. Wheeling Jesuit 105 (6)
2. West Virginia Wesleyan 101 (4)
3. Charleston 83
4. Concord 80
5. West Liberty 69
6. Fairmont State 57
6. Notre Dame 57
8. UVa-Wise 36
9. Urbana 32
10. Glenville State 28
11. West Virginia State 12
() indicates first-place votes