FROM STAFF REPORTS

MONTEVALLO – The University of Montevallo women’s cross country team begins the 2013 season ranked No. 7 in the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) NCAA Division II Southeast Region rankings, according to the preseason rankings recently released by the association.

The Falcons are one of four Peach Belt Conference schools ranked in the preseason region poll.

Columbus State is ranked No. 1 in the first region poll of the season. Clayton State is ranked No. 3 in the region, followed by the Falcons at No. 7 and Flagler at No. 8 in the rankings.

Montevallo opened its season Sept. 7 with a seventh-place finish in the fourth annual Remembrance Run, hosted by Georgia Southwestern State University in Americus, Ga.

Montevallo freshman Cheyenne Thompson claimed her first individual collegiate cross country title in her first ever race as she paced the field in the 6K race with her time of 23:05.99. Thompson’s mark set a new freshman record for the Montevallo women’s cross country program and placed her fifth in the record book for the top 6K times in school history.

Freshman Emmalee Butler came in 21st overall in individual standings with her time of 24:32.48. Senior In-Mi Matsunaga finished 31st overall in individual standings with her time of 25:08.61.

Freshman Alaina Norman rounded out the group of Montevallo runners finishing in the top 50 in individual standings with her time of 25:44.92, which placed her 43rd overall.

The Falcons return to action Saturday, Sept. 14 at the fifth annual Coast Stampede in Pensacola, Fla.