The Dordt University women's cross country team moved up to second in the latest coaches' poll released by the NAIA this afternoon (Sept.24). 

• NAIA Press Release | PDF

Notes:

• the rating is compiled by a panel of head coaches representing each of the conferences and unaffiliated groupings
• the Top 25 is determined by a points system based on how each rater rates the best teams; a team receives 30 points for each first-place vote, 29 for second-place, 28 for third-place and so on through the list
• this is the first poll of the regular season and the second overall this season
• Dordt, ranked third in the preseason poll, moved up to second in this edition of the coaches' poll
• the Defenders accounted for 544 points and six first place votes, just on point behind top-ranked Milligan (Tenn.)
• Milligan took over the top spot from defending champion Taylor (Ind.), who dropped to 11th in this week's poll
• Milligan earned 10 first place votes and 545 total points
• College of Idaho, Indiana Wesleyan and Cornerstone (Mich.) round out the top five teams
• Dordt is the only team from the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) in the top 25
• four additional GPAC teams; Doane, College of Saint Mary, Morningside and Concordia, received votes
• the Defenders have been ranked in the top 25 for an NAIA-best 105 consecutive polls, dating back to the 2011 season
  • this is the longest streak in the NAIA
• Dordt has been ranked among the top 10 teams in 24 straight polls (dating back to Sept.22, 2022)
• the Defenders have held a top 10 ranking in 74 of the 105 polls during their current streak
• Dordt won the Sunflower Open earlier this season, its only competition held so far in 2026
• sophomore Joy Koole and Addy Liston finished 1-2 at the Sunflower Open
• five additional Defender runners placed in the top 10
• Dort will compete in the Augustana Invite on Friday, Sept.25