NEW ORLEANS – The University of North Dakota women's cross country team received votes in the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) rankings Tuesday, marking the first time the Fighting Hawks have done so since transitioning to NCAA Division I.
 
North Dakota received three votes in the national poll and was ranked sixth in the Midwest Region, ahead of Power Four programs Oklahoma and Nebraska. The regional ranking marks the highest position UND has held since the regional poll was introduced in 2012.
 
The Fighting Hawks' rise in the rankings follows an impressive performance at the Gans Creek Classic on Sept. 25. North Dakota finished fourth in the 6K Gold Race, placing ahead of then-No. 22 Arkansas.
 
Junior Olivia Correale led the way for the Hawks, finishing 15th and breaking the 20-minute mark. With her time, Correale became just the second Summit League runner to finish a 6K race in under 20 minutes. Following her performance, Correale was named the Summit League Peak Performer of the Week.
 
On the men's side, the Fighting Hawks remained ranked 14th in the Midwest Region for the second consecutive week.
 
North Dakota will return to action Oct. 16 at the Under Armour Pre-National Invitational. The meet will be held at the LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course in Terre Haute, Ind., which is scheduled to host the 2026 NCAA Division I Cross Country Championships on Nov. 21.

For more information on North Dakota cross country and track and field, visit FightingHawks.com or follow on social media @UNDtrackfieldXC.