WINONA LAKE – For possibly the first time in program history, Grace’s women’s cross country team has made an appearance in the NAIA Top 25 Coaches’ Poll.

The Lady Lancers are in the “receiving votes” section of the poll, earning the 35th-most points in the NAIA.

“It’s nice to be recognized, and I hope we can live up to that recognition. I know there are many good teams in the Crossroads League, so we will find out where we stand as the season progresses,” said Grace head coach Jeff Raymond. “With no seniors on the squad and three freshmen among our top five runners, we have a good foundation for not only this season, but also future years.”

The Lady Lancers have not been ranked according to the NAIA’s database, dating back to the 1999 season.

Grace fields a roster with zero seniors and eight underclassmen. The team has consistently had four freshmen place among the team’s fastest six runners this fall under Raymond’s leadership.

The Lady Lancers’ next competition is Huntington Invitational on Oct. 3.