(PRINCETON, W.Va.)---West Virginia Wesleyan is the heavy favorite to capture the 2007 West Virginia Conference women's cross country title.

The defending champion Bobcats captured nine of ten first place votes to easily outdistance runner-up Alderson-Broaddus in the annual preseason coaches' poll.

WVIAC newcomer Seton Hill received the other first place vote and holds down third. Wheeling Jesuit, Charleston, and Concord follow in the fourth through sixth positions. Davis & Elkins, Fairmont State, West Liberty State, and Glenville State complete the top ten. Ohio Valley, Pitt Johnstown, and Bluefield State complete the poll.

2006 All-WVIAC performers Jess Barkley and Allison Teter lead West Virginia Wesleyan. Alderson-Broaddus' top returnee is Nicole Tengler, the seventh place finisher at last season's WVIAC championship.

Seton Hill cannot officially win the WVIAC title until becoming a full NCAA Division II member in 2008-09, but the Griffins are expected to field a strong squad. Senior Laura Lemoine was an All-WVIAC runner last season and SHU has added a deep and talented rookie crop.

WVIAC 1500 meter champion Erika Rucker hopes to leave a mark in cross country for Wheeling Jesuit. Charleston hopes for big things from sophomore Jessica Racer.

West Liberty State's Kallen Weaver, the 2006 WVIAC championship meet runner-up, should rank among the top individuals in the conference and region.

The WVIAC championship meet is slated to move north this season with Wheeling Jesuit hosting the October 20 event.

2007 WVIAC Women's Cross Country Coaches' Poll