Arkansas Tech women’s cross country enters the 2008 season ranked fourth in the preseason NCAA Division II South Regional rankings that are compiled by the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCA).
Tech, which closed out last season ranked ninth in the final USTFCCA South Region poll, opens its fall season at home on Friday when they host the Second Annual Tech Twilight meet on the grounds around Tucker Coliseum. The meet will start at 6:30 p.m.

“That is a good way for our squad to start off the season, to be ranked highly in the region,” said Golden Suns head coach Tom Aspel. “It just shows you the kind of season we had last year and the quality of returners we have coming back.”

The USTFCCA NCAA Division II region poll will be released every week during the regular season beginning on Sept. 9. The poll ranks the Top 10 men’s and women’s cross country teams in each of the eight NCAA regions. Eight regional representatives coordinate the voting in their own region with input from the coaches.

Tech, which finished tied for seventh and was the third highest finishing Gulf South Conference team at last season’s NCAA South Regional meet, returns four runners from last season’s team, including sophomore Lauren Karnitz (DeSoto, Kan.), who was named a Second-Team All-GSC selection in 2007. Seniors Brianna Greene and Kayla Waldrup are also returning, along with junior Melissa Polreis.

Tampa, which is the defending South Regional champion, opens the season ranked first in the pre-season poll. Harding, the defending GSC champion, and Alabama-Huntsville both open the season ranked in the top five.

Following Tech in the poll is Albany State, Florida Southern and West Florida.