Somerset, N.J. – The Long Island University women's cross country team was picked 10th in the Northeast Conference Preseason Coaches Poll. Quinnipiac collected 10 first-place votes from the league's head coaches and was tabbed the preseason favorite for the fourth straight season.
Head coach Julia Sandiford's squad will look to improve upon a ninth-place showing at last season's conference championship. Junior
Desiree Conley will lead the squad after posting the second-best finish for LIU runners at last season's NEC Championships.
Long Island will open up the 2009 season on Saturday, Sept. 5, at the Monmouth XC Kick-Off in Thompson Park in Lincroft, N.J.
The 2009 NEC Women's Cross Country Championship will be held at Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Conn., on Saturday, Oct. 31.