RIPON, Wis. -- The Ripon College women's cross country team is expected to finish tied for second in the Midwest Conference (MWC) this season, according to the 2026 MWC Preseason Coaches' Poll released Monday afternoon.

Grinnell College, which received seven first-place votes, was selected as the preseason favorite, while Ripon and Cornell College tied for second with 71 points. The Red Hawks finished third at the 2025 MWC Championship and will look to move up the conference standings in 2026.

The full poll is listed below.

Last season, Ripon finished third at the conference championship and returns three All-MWC performers. Junior Joley Berger (Dunbar, Wis., Prembine HS), senior Gabby Allard (Appleton, Wis., Kimberly HS), and senior Mya Garcia (Chino Hills, Calif., Brea Olinda HS) will anchor the Red Hawks as they look to compete for the conference title in 2026.

2026 Midwest Conference Preseason Poll
1. Grinnell College (7 first-place votes) - 75 points
T2. Ripon College - 71 points
T2. Cornell College (3) - 71 points
4. Lawrence University - 56 points
5. Luther College - 46 points
6. Lake Forest College - 40 points
7. Monmouth College - 28 points
8. Beloit College - 25 points
9. Illinois College - 21 points
10. Knox College - 17 points

Ripon opens the 2026 season on Saturday, Sept 5, at 11am at the Tom Berry Invite in Green Bay, Wis.