Philadelphia, PA – The La Salle men's cross country team has been picked to finish in second place, and the women's cross country team picked to finish in fifth place, in the Atlantic 10 preseason poll, as voted on by conference coaches.

The men's cross country team received a total of 157 points in the poll, tying with George Mason. Loyola Chicago was picked to win the conference, earning a total of 196 points and all 14 first-place votes. Saint Joseph's and Rhode Island finished out the top five with 150 and 146 points, respectively.

The men's team will look to capitalize off a strong finish to the 2025 season, having finished fifth in the conference championship meet, earning 138 points, and finishing in 11th place at NCAA regionals, with a score of 332 points.

The La Salle women's cross country team was predicted to finish fifth in the preseason poll, receiving 146 points. Loyola Chicago was picked first with 192 points and 12 first-place votes. George Washington follows with 171 points and one first-place vote, then Richmond with 163 points, and Saint Louis with 154 points and the remaining first-place vote.

The women's squad looks to build off a strong 2025, having finished fifth in the conference championship meet, earning 153 points, and finishing in 11th place at NCAA regionals, with a score of 349 points.

Gwenno Goode returns for her senior season, after winning the bronze medal in the 6K event at the A-10 championship, as well as competing in the NCAA championship meet last year.

The men's and women's teams will begin the 2026 season on Friday, Sept. 18 at the Main Line Invite in Haverford, Pa., with the race beginning at 4:30 P.M.

2026 Atlantic 10 Men's Cross Country Preseason Poll 

1. Loyola Chicago - 196 (14)
T-2. George Mason - 157
T-2. La Salle - 157
4. Saint Joseph's - 150
5. Rhode Island - 146
6. George Washington - 126
7. Saint Louis - 113
8. Dayton - 97
9. Richmond - 84
10. Fordham - 76
11. Davidson - 68
12. Duquesne - 56
T-13. St. Bonaventure - 22
T-13. VCU - 22

2026 Atlantic 10 Women's Cross Country Preseason Poll 

1. Loyola Chicago - 192 (12)
2. George Washington - 171 (1)
3. Richmond - 163
4. Saint Louis - 154 (1)
5. La Salle - 146
6. George Mason - 124
7. Dayton - 101
8. Davidson - 96
9. Rhode Island - 84
10. Saint Joseph's - 69
11. Duquesne - 66
12. Fordham - 59
13. VCU - 23
14. St. Bonaventure - 22