SPRING ARBOR, Mich. – The Spring Arbor University women's cross country team is receiving votes in the first regular-season edition of the NAIA Women's Cross Country Coaches' Top 25 Rating, released Thursday by the national office.
 
Spring Arbor received 23 points in the rating after opening the 2026 season with a pair of third-place finishes. The Cougars were not receiving votes in the preseason rating.
 
SAU opened the season at the Titan vs. Warrior Classic at Cass Benton Park in Northville, finishing third in the six-team field. Madyson Oudbier led the Cougars, completing the 5K course in 19:18 to place 10th overall. Chloe Khon followed in 15th with a time of 19:46.
 
Oudbier's performance earned her Crossroads League Women's Cross Country Runner of the Week honors for the first time in her career.
 
The Cougars followed their season opener with another third-place team finish at the Knight Invite, hosted by Calvin University. Oudbier again paced Spring Arbor, recording a career-best 6K time of 22:55 to finish 22nd overall. Her performance also earned her a spot in the program's Under 23:00 6K Club.
 
The Crossroads League was well represented in the national rating with four teams inside the Top 15. Indiana Wesleyan jumped five spots to No. 4, Grace climbed seven positions into a tie for No. 8, Taylor checked in at No. 11 and Marian was ranked No. 14. Saint Francis received 31 votes, while Spring Arbor collected 23.
 
Milligan (Tenn.) took over the No. 1 position with 545 points and 10 first-place votes. Dordt (Iowa) followed just one point behind at No. 2, while College of Idaho moved up to No. 3. Indiana Wesleyan and Cornerstone rounded out the top five.
 
Spring Arbor returns to action on Friday, Oct. 2 at the Nike XC Town Twilight at the LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course in Terre Haute, Indiana.