The Daemen University women's cross country team has been ranked fourth in the 2026 East Coast Conference (ECC) Preseason Coaches Poll. The team garnered 42 points, trailing behind Roberts Wesleyan University, Molloy University, and D'Youville University. Despite losing four key runners to graduation, including their top runner, the Wildcats aim to uphold their tradition of finishing strong in the season. Notable returning runners Lia Brasacchio and Kylie Piekarski are expected to lead the team, while new recruits look to enhance the lineup.

By the Numbers
  • Roberts Wesleyan led the poll with 64 points and all eight first-place votes.
  • Daemen collected 42 points, placing them fourth out of eight teams.
State of Play
  • The Wildcats placed fourth in the 2025 ECC Championships, maintaining a streak of never finishing worse than fourth in their history.
  • They will compete in six meets during the 2026 campaign, starting on September 5.
What's Next

As the season begins, the Wildcats will work on integrating their new runners and establishing a competitive pace. The upcoming meets will be crucial in determining their performance heading into the ECC Championships on November 7.

Bottom Line

Despite recent graduations, the Daemen Wildcats are poised to maintain their competitive edge in the ECC. With returning talent and new recruits, the team aims to uphold its strong history in cross country.