BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. -- The University of Charleston has been picked to win the 2019 Mountain East Conference title in women's cross country. 

The Golden Eagles finished atop the poll with 93 points, including four first-place votes. UC returns four of its top five runners from last year's team that had finished second at the MEC Championships -- the program's best finish in league history. Kasey McNamara, who collected both Freshman of the Year and Runner of the Year honors last fall, returns to lead the team, along with Olivia Underwood, Denize Ruiz and Cami Wagner. 

Davis & Elkins was second in the poll with 87 points and also had four first-place votes. The Senators feature a young roster with nine freshmen, one sophomore and three juniors, including top returner Lavania Lemasters, to challenge for the MEC crown. 

West Virginia Wesleyan was slotted third with 78 points. The Bobcats return All-MEC performers Madison Frame and Tori Carr to this year's squad. Defending champion Concord was fourth with 77 points and had the remaining three first-place votes. The Mountain Lions will have to re-tool their lineup after losing six seniors from last year's championship squad. 

Wheeling was picked fifth with 68 points. Lindsay Scheffel, last year's winner at the MEC Championships, is back for her junior season for the Cardinals. West Liberty was sixth with 57 points, followed by Fairmont State (46), Frostburg State (37), Glenville State (35), Urbana (17) and West Virginia State (12). 

2019 Women's Cross Country Preseason Poll
1. Charleston -- 93 (4)
2. Davis & Elkins -- 87 (4)
3. West Virginia Wesleyan -- 78
4. Concord -- 77 (3)
5. Wheeling -- 68
6. West Liberty -- 57
7. Fairmont State -- 46
8. Frostburg State -- 37
9. Glenville State -- 35
10. Urbana -- 17
11. West Virginia State -- 12