DAHLONEGA – The University of North Georgia (UNG) women's cross country team was selected to finish third in the Peach Belt Conference preseason poll, as announced by the league Tuesday.

Reigning PBC champion Flagler was selected as the preseason favorite, with Augusta and North Georgia rounding out the top three.

The Nighthawks are coming off a strong 2025 season that featured four team podium finishes at the Bruins XC Night Classic, UNG XC Invitational, GCSU Bobcat Invitational and PBC Championship.

North Georgia placed third out of 11 teams at the PBC Championship, with three Nighthawks earning all-conference honors. Maggie Welp and Tessie Braman return this season after earning all-conference honors last season.

Welp also was named to the PBC Women's Cross Country All-Sportsmanship Team.

The Nighthawks open the 2026 season Sept. 4 at the Young Harris Cross Country Opener in Young Harris, Georgia.