FROM STAFF REPORTS

The University of Montevallo women’s cross country team is the top-ranked team in the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) NCAA Division II Southeast Region rankings this week, marking its highest region ranking in program history.

Montevallo, which moved up three spots in the latest region rankings, finished second in the final region poll during the 2011 season.

The Falcons moved up to the top spot in the region poll after back-to-back team championships at the UAH Earl Jacoby Memorial and the Jaguar Invitational, hosted by GRU Augusta.

Freshman Katie Nelson, the reigning Peach Belt Conference Runner of the Week, won the 5K at the UAH Earl Jacoby Memorial with a school-record time and claimed the individual title at the Jaguar Invitational with the fourth-fastest 6K time in program history.

The Falcons saw five runners finish among the top 15 individuals in the season-opening UAH Earl Jacoby Memorial before placing seven individuals in the top 15 in the Jaguar Invitational.

Sophomores Cheyenne Thompson and Katherine Terino, along with freshmen Hannah Evans and Sierra Millsaps, have placed in the top 15 in individual standings in both races this season.

The Falcons are one of seven Peach Belt Conference teams ranked in the region poll. North Georgia, Wingate, Flagler and Columbus State round out the top five. Queens (N.C.), Georgia College, UNC Pembroke, King and GRU Augusta complete the top 10 teams in the region poll.

The Falcons return to action Saturday, Oct. 4 at the Greater Louisville Cross Country Classic.