AUGUSTA, Ga. – The Augusta University women's cross country team has been picked to finish second in the 2026 Peach Belt Conference Preseason Coaches Poll, the league announced Tuesday.
The Jaguars received one first-place vote and 88 total points. Defending PBC champion Flagler was selected as the preseason favorite with 10 first-place votes and 100 points. North Georgia was picked third with 80 points, followed by Georgia College & State University with 77 and Lander with 60.
Augusta enters the 2026 season after a runner-up finish at the 2025 PBC Championship, where four Jaguars placed among the top 20.
The Jaguars followed with a fifth-place finish at the NCAA Southeast Regional. Madison Thomas advanced to the NCAA Division II National Championship as an individual to close out her senior season.
Augusta returns All-PBC performer Maria Biondollilo for the 2026 season.
The Jaguars open the season on Friday, Sept. 4 at the Converse Kick-Off in Spartanburg, S.C.
2026 PBC Women's Cross Country Preseason Coaches Poll
| 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 |
