Oct. 3, 2005

The women's cross country team is ranked No. 29 in the latest FinishLynx national poll, marking the first time the Terps have ever been ranked in school history.

"I am immensely proud of our kids. Their hard work and commitment to the team and to each other is paying off," coach Dr. Michael Garrison said. "This is a proud day for our program and we are looking forward to the rest of the season."

Maryland is coming off an impressive fourth-place finish at the Paul Short Invitational in Bethlehem, Pa. on Saturday. There the team finished ahead of then-No. 8 Villanova, and just one spot behind then-No. 15 Tennessee. Junior Laurel Jefferson led the way for the Terps, finishing 20th overall with a time of 21:08.70. Senior Cori Koch, who was the Terps' fastest runner at the first two meets of the season, came in 27th in 21:22.40.

Maryland is off until October 15 when the team heads to State College, Pa. for the Penn State National Invitational.