Macon, Georgia - September 2, 2005 - In their first season as a Division I member and in their inaugural season in the Atlantic Sun Conference, the Kennesaw State women's cross country team earned a measure of respect from the conference's head coaches as they were selected to finish fourth in the Atlantic Sun Conference Preseason Coaches Poll.

Fresh off their best-ever Division II finish, the Lady Owls received 81 points, trailing only Campbell, Florida Atlantic and four-time defending champion Belmont. Kennesaw State finished one spot ahead of rival and former Division II rival North Florida, who received 68 points to round out the top five.

"It's always a good feeling to have coaches respect your program," said head coach Stan Sims on the balloting. "It will be a challenge to compete this season, but I know our ladies will ready. We have always tried to run our program to the highest standard possible and now we will get to compete at that level with the best programs in the country."

Four seniors will lead KSU this season including their leading runner, All-American senior Patrina Hayes. Hayes, who became the third All-American cross country runner in school history, helped lead Kennesaw State to a 5th place finish at the national championships last season.

Magdalena Polko, a three-time All-Peach Belt Conference performer also returns for her final season as does Lindsay Tyus and Tara Mooney.

The Lady Owls will make their Division I debut on September 10 when they open the season at the Mercer Atlanta Invitational.

2005 A-Sun Women's Cross Country Coaches Poll 1-Belmont (116)
2-Florida Atlantic (102)
3-Campbell (94)
4-Kennesaw State (81)
5-North Florida (68)
6-East Tennessee (59)
7-Jacksonville (57)
8-Lipscomb (55)
9-Gardner-Webb (38)
10-Mercer (35)
11-Stetson (15)