Coaches choose MSSU women's track in fourth in preseason poll

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

The Missouri Southern women's track and field team has been picked to finish fourth in the MIAA preseason coaches poll, the league announced today. 

The Lions, fresh off a 29th place finish at the 2015 NCAA Division II Indoor National Championships, earned 74 points to place fourth in the poll. Southern qualified five individuals in five events for the National Championships after placing fourth at the 2015 MIAA Indoor Championships. 

Emily Harris was the national runner up in the Mile, earning All-American status and breaking a school record in the process. 

Central Missouri, the 2015 NCAA Division II National Champions during the indoor season, was the favorite for the outdoor MIAA title. Lincoln was second, followed by Pittsburg State, Southern and Nebraska-Kearney to round out the top five. Emporia State was picked sixth, followed by Southwest Baptist, Northwest Missouri, Lindenwood, Fort Hays State and Central Oklahoma. 

The Lions will have split squad action this weekend with some athletes going to Pittsburg State and others going to Washington University in St. Louis. 

2015 MIAA Preseason Women's Coaches Poll     
1. Central Missouri (9) 99
2. Lincoln (2)          91
3. Pittsburg State      81
4. Missouri Southern    74
5. Nebraska-Kearney     58
6. Emporia State        53
7. Southwest Baptist    52
8. Northwest Missouri   31
9. Lindenwood           30
10. Fort Hays State     23
11. Central Oklahoma    13