Valparaiso University's women's cross country team has been selected to finish fourth at the annual Mid-Continent Conference Cross Country Championships according to the preseason poll conducted by the league's head coaches.

Mike Straubel's Crusaders are coming off of a third place effort in 2003, the school's highest finish ever. Valpo tallied 41 points in the poll, trailing preseason favorite Southern Utah, Oakland, and Western Illinois. IUPUI was selected to finish fifth behind the Brown and Gold followed by UMKC and Oral Roberts. Chicago State and Centenary round out the poll.

The 2004 women's cross country championships will take place on October 30 in Rochester, Mich. Oakland will serve as the events host.

2004 Mid-Continent Conference Preseason Poll
Team Points
1. Southern Utah (7) - 63
2. Oakland (2) - 54
3. Western Illinois - 50
4. Valparaiso - 41
5. IUPUI - 38
6. UMKC - 28
7. Oral Roberts - 25
8. Chicago State - 16
9. Centenary - 9
(First place votes in parentheses)