BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Lee University was considered the favorite in the 2023 Gulf South Conference women's cross country poll, as voted by the league's head coaches.
 
2023 SCHEDULE

The Lady Flames are the reigning GSC champions after winning their sixth consecutive title and are the heavy favorites to repeat after claiming 12 first-place votes and 143 total points. This marks the seventh consecutive year they have been hailed as favorites, and their eighth year in a row being seen as the top contenders for the conference championship.
 
Mississippi College was tabbed as the runner-up with 133 points and picked up one first-place vote, while Alabama Huntsville was picked to finish third with 122 total points. 
 
Auburn Montgomery and West Florida rounded out the top five with 106 and 91 points, respectively. 
 
Union was projected to finish sixth with 88 points. Montevallo was picked to finish seventh with 81 points, followed by Christian Brothers at eighth with 81 points. West Georgia (56), Valdosta State (48), Delta State (35), West Alabama (25), and Shorter (17) rounding out the poll.
 
The women's cross country campaign is slated to begin Friday, Sept. 1 with 10 teams in action. The 2023 GSC  Championship is set for Saturday, Oct. 21 at John Hunt Park in Huntsville, Alabama. 
 
2023 GSC Women's Cross Country Poll 
First-place votes ( )
1. Lee – 143 (12)
2. Mississippi College – 133 (1)
3. Alabama Huntsville – 122
4. Auburn Montgomery – 106
5. West Florida – 91 
6. Union – 88
7. Montevallo – 81 
8. Christian Brothers – 69
9. West Georgia - 56
10. Valdosta State – 48 
11. Delta State – 35
12. West Alabama – 25
13. Shorter – 17