ORLANDO, Fla. – The Sunshine State Conference released its 2025 Women's Cross Country Preseason Coaches Poll, with Lynn University projected to finish sixth at this year's championship meet in late October.

The Fighting Knights earned 28 points in the poll, 11 behind fifth-place Embry-Riddle (39). Barry was tabbed seventh with 21 points.

At the top of the poll, Tampa and Nova Southeastern shared first place with 59 points apiece. Tampa received five first-place votes, while Nova Southeastern collected the remaining four.

Last season, Lynn also finished sixth at the SSC Championships with 189 points, comfortably ahead of Barry in seventh (206). Sophomore Jessica Lombardo paced the Fighting Knights with a 23:48.0 time, placing 26th overall.

Lynn opens the 2025 campaign at the Keiser Flagship Invitational, held at Okeeheelee Park in West Palm Beach, on Friday, Sept. 5, at 7:55 a.m.

2025 SSC Women's Cross Country Preseason Coaches Poll
T1.  Tampa   59 (5)
T1.  Nova Southeastern   59 (4)
3.  Florida Southern  52
4.  Palm Beach Atlantic  41
5.  Embry-Riddle  39
6.  Lynn   28
7.  Barry   21
8.  Saint Leo   17
9.  Eckerd   8