NEW ORLEANS, La. – The U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) announced its NCAA Division II Regional rankings on Tuesday afternoon, and RSU moved up two spots in the women's central region to achieve its highest-ever ranking at third.
 
Rogers State impressively opened the season with a first-place finish at the RSU Distance After Dark meet on Sept. 4. Amy Morefield became the first Hillcat to win the race, while Jordan Wallace (5th), BrooklynGarafola (6th) and Kaylee Nay (9th) added top 10 finishes for the Red and Navy.
 
Pittsburg State University (Kan.) earned the top ranking following strong preseason performances at an alumni meet and a fifth-place finish at the Bolivar City Municipal race, despite not having any of their top returners participate. Minnesota State climbed from seventh to second place, while Nebraska-Kearney and Augustana University (S.D.) rounded out the top five.

RSU is set to compete again on Sept. 20 at the MSSU Southern Stampede, taking place at the Tom Rutledge Cross Country Course in Joplin. The women's race is scheduled to start at 8:00 a.m., followed by the men's race at 8:45 a.m.