SAINT LEO, Fla. – The Saint Leo women's cross country team climbed to No. 17 in this week's U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Division II Coaches poll, which was released Wednesday.

The Lions, who were ranked No. 1 in the South Region for the second straight polling week, jumped two spots over their previous ranking. It marks the highest national ranking in the history of Saint Leo women's cross country, and the first time in program history that Saint Leo women's cross country has been nationally ranked in back-to-back weeks.

The Saint Leo men's and women's cross country teams will return to competition on Saturday, Sept. 16, when they travel to Daytona Beach, Fla., to run in the Embry-Riddle ASICS Classic. The men's 8K race will begin at 7:20 a.m., followed by the women's 5K race at 7:50 a.m.

For the latest news, updates, and information on Saint Leo men's and women's cross country and track sure to visit SaintLeoLions.com. Fans can also stay up-to-date on the latest Lions news by following Saint Leo Athletics on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.