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Saints Selected as 2026 PBC Women's Cross Country Preseason Favorites

Reigning PBC champions Flagler have been selected as the preseason favorite once again by the league’s coaches. The Saints received 10 first-place votes and will begin the 2026 season as the overwhelming favorite. Augusta received the remaining first-place vote. North Georgia, GCSU and Lander complete the top five, followed in order by USCA, Columbus State, Clayton State, USC Beaufort, Middle Georgia and Georgia Southwestern.

In 2025, Flagler broke the PBC record for most consecutive women’s cross country titles with their eighth straight championship, surpassing Kennesaw State’s run of seven from 1994-2000. The Saints continued their successful season with a third-place finish at the NCAA Southeast Regional, where four individuals finished in the top 25 and earned all-region honors. Flagler finished the season at the NCAA National Championship with a 30th-place finish. The Saints return five PBC all-conference runners for the 2026 season.

Augusta finished second at the 2025 PBC Championship, placing four runners in the top 20. The Jaguars closed out their season at the NCAA Southeast Regional, where they placed fifth overall, with graduating senior Madison Thomas advancing to the NCAA National Championship as an individual. Augusta returns PBC all-conference runner Maria Biondollilo for the 2026 season.

North Georgia placed third at the 2025 PBC Championship, with three runners earning all-conference honors. The Nighthawks closed out their season at the NCAA Southeast Regional with a 10th-place finish. North Georgia returns two PBC all-conference selections for the 2026 season.


Rank Team Points
1. Flagler (10) 100
2. Augusta (1) 88
3. North Georgia 80
4. GCSU 77
5. Lander 60
6. USCA 52
7. Columbus State 44
8. Clayton State 41
9. USC Beaufort 29
10. Middle Georgia 19
11. Georgia Southwestern 15

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