LA MIRADA, Calif. --- The Biola University women's cross country team will start the 2008 season in uncharted waters, debuting at No. 5 in the NAIA Preseason Poll released on Tuesday.

The Eagles return the bulk of the team which reached as high as No. 6 in the NAIA polls in 2007 including junior All-American Kristin Schmidt. Despite having five freshman among the seven runners at the 2007 NAIA Championship meet, Biola placed 11th overall--the highest team finish on the women's side in school history.

The women's squad grew by six freshman in the off-season, giving Biola much-needed depth behind the starting seven.

On the men's side, Biola took a tough hit as All-American Brian Ball graduated from the team at the end of the 2007 season. However, the other starting six return along wth five new freshman runners. The Eagles opened he season receiving votes in the national poll.

Biola's 2008 campaign begins on Saturday, Sept. 6, as the Eagles take part in the UC Irvine Invitational.

CLICK HERE for the 2008 NAIA Women's Cross Country Preseason Poll and CLICK HERE to view the Men's Preseason Poll.