OSHKOSH, Wis. – The Illinois College women's cross country squad was picked to finish ninth in the annual Preseason Coaches' Poll, it was announced by the MWC on Monday morning.
The 2025 edition of the Lady Blues will be led by seniors
Kairy Mercado-Ramos and
Claire Peters and juniors
Morgan Carrino and
Caroline Peters, who will help guide the six freshmen on the squad.
One-third of Midwest Conference women's cross country programs received first-place votes in the Grinnell College, the 2024 Midwest Conference runner-up, was picked to win the league in 2025.
The Pioneers garnered six of nine first-place votes and 69 points overall. Lawrence University, the defending league champion, grabbed two first-place votes and is expected to finish second this season (53 points). Ripon College (52 points) collected the last remaining first-place vote and was slotted third. Rounding out the top five vote-getters were Cornell College (45 points) and Lake Forest College (30 points).
The poll concluded with Monmouth College (26 points), Knox College (22 points), Beloit College (15 points), and Illinois College (12 points).
The 2025 MWC Cross Country Championships are slated for Saturday, November 1, at Seminole Valley Park in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Full preseason coaches' poll results and quick facts for all nine teams follow:
2025 MWC Women's Cross Country Preseason Coaches' Poll Results
1. Grinnell College (6) - 69 points
2. Lawrence University (2) - 53 points
3. Ripon College (1) - 52 points
4. Cornell College - 45 points
5. Lake Forest College - 30 points
6. Monmouth College - 26 points
7. Knox College - 22 points
8. Beloit College - 15 points
9. Illinois College - 12 points
() – indicates first-place votes
