BRIDGEWATER, Mass. -- The Bridgewater State University women's cross country team has been picked to finish in second place at the 2022 Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) Championships as the MASCAC Women's Cross Country Preseason Coaches Poll was released today by conference director of media relations, Emily Loux.

The Bears received 27 points in the poll with one first place vote. Two-time defending champion Westfield State University topped the poll with 36 points including six first place votes. Worcester State University rounded out the top three teams with 26 points.

Returning veterans Maura Bruns (Sr., Franklin, Mass.), Julie Glavin (Jr., Weymouth, Mass.), Ana Imrie (So., Arlington, Mass.), Elliana Martel (Jr., Rochester, N.H.), Emma Rand (Sr., Salem, Mass.) and Elisabeth Sweeney (Jr., Marshfield, Mass.) will help lead the Bears in 2022.

The Bears will open the season on Friday, September 2nd (5:00 PM) when they travel to the Mark Coogan Cross Country Course in Attleboro, Massachusetts for the 8th Annual Wheaton and Babson Season Opener. The 2022 MASCAC Championships will take place on Saturday, October 29th (12:00 PM) at Stanley Park in Westfield, Massachusetts with Westfield State University serving as the host institution.