BURNSVILLE, Minn. – Augustana's women's outdoor track and field team was selected to finish third in the NSIC Preseason Coaches' Poll, announced Thursday morning by league officials.

Sophomore Ellen Merkley earned a Preseason Athlete to Watch distinction following a strong indoor season that saw her earn All-NSIC honors in a pair of events. She is joined by Ashton Massey, who returns this spring following a sixth-place finish in the women's heptathlon at last season's NSIC Championships and was an indoor pentathlon All-American. 

"Our women's team saw a number of underclassmen take significant steps forward during the indoor season and it will be exciting for new names to emerge as move through the outdoor campaign," said Tanis. "That growth, combined with the steady leadership and contributions of our veteran athletes, has us trending in a positive direction as we head into the spring."
 
Coach Tanis said, "Ellen had a breakout indoor season, earning All-NSIC honors in the 60 and 200 while also setting school records in the 60 and long jump. I have no doubt that she will make an impact for us in multiple events during the outdoor season as well and that she will continue to be a positive presence for our entire roster."
  
"Ashton has made tremendous progress during her time at Augustana and earned her first All-NSIC honors this indoor season with a runner-up finish in the pentathlon. In the process, she also qualified for the NCAA Division II Indoor Track and Field Championships, gaining valuable experience competing at the national level. We look forward to her building on that progress as we move into the outdoor season."
  
Augustana will kick off its outdoor season on March 26 at the WashU Distance Carnival in St. Louis, Missouri.