SYRACUSE, N.Y. – The Syracuse women's cross country team is ranked No. 21, as announced by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Association (USTFCCCA) in its first poll of 2009. The team jumped up two spots in this week's poll. It is the highest ranking for SU in program history.

The Orange is one of six BIG EAST teams in the rankings. No. 4 West Virginia and No. 5 Villanova maintained their preseason ranking. Georgetown fell two spots to No. 11, followed by Providence at No. 12. Notre Dame moved up five spots in this week's poll to take the No. 24 position.

After being idle this week, the men and women distance runners return to action on Saturday, Oct. 3 when they race in the Wisconsin Inter-Regional meet. Included in the list of women expected to run the Wisconsin meet is junior Rebekah MacKay. MacKay led the Orange at the Colgate Invitational, placing first overall with a time of 21:43.