BOWLING GREEN, Ky. -- Cumberland University women's cross country was picked to finish second in the 2026 Mid-South Conference Preseason Coaches' Poll, conference officials announced Friday.

Cumberland received 28 voting points from the conference coaches, finishing eight points behind the University of the Cumberlands (Ky.), which was picked to finish first. Coaches were not allowed to vote for their own team.

The Phoenix put together a strong 2025 campaign, highlighted by a first-place finish at the Midway University XC Invitational. Cumberland also finished sixth at the Great Lakes Challenge and seventh at the "Live in Lou" Louisville XC Classic. The Phoenix closed out the conference season with a second-place finish at the Mid-South Conference Championship.

The University of the Cumberlands was selected as the preseason favorite after receiving 36 voting points and six first-place votes. The Patriots finished second at the NAIA Appalachian Challenge, won the Mid-South Conference Championship, and placed 13th at the NAIA Cross Country National Championship.

Freed-Hardeman was picked to finish third with 21 voting points, followed by Campbellsville in fourth with 20 points. Georgetown was selected fifth with 18 points, Lindsey Wilson came in sixth with 16 points, and Bethel rounded out the poll with eight points.

The Phoenix open the 2026 season next Saturday at the Freed Speed, hosted by Freed-Hardeman University in Pinson, Tenn.
 

2026 Mid-South Conference Women's Cross Country  Preseason Coaches' Poll
Pos.	Team	Points (First-Place Votes)	2025 MSC Championship Finish
1.	Cumberlands (Ky.)	36 (6)	1st - 22 points
2.	Cumberland (Tenn.)	28 (1)	2nd - 65 points
3.	Freed-Hardeman (Tenn.)	21	4th - 82 points
4.	Campbellsville (Ky.)	20	5th - 118 points
5.	Georgetown (Ky.)	18	3rd - 71 points
6.	Lindsey Wilson (Ky.)	16	7th - 143 points
7.	Bethel (Tenn.)	8	6th - 129 points