Buena Vista, VA - The USA South released its pre-championship poll for the upcoming women's outdoor track and field championship meet. For the fourth consecutive season, Southern Virginia University was picked to defend its title. The poll could be taken as a good omen, as the Knights have won the title each season they've been on top of the pre-championship poll.

Southern Virginia had four of a possible seven first-place votes, as Methodist, Brevard, and Meredith grabbed the other three votes. N.C. Wesleyan, who boasts the only Indoor All-American in the field, will also pose a threat to the Knights' reign as champions.

The Knights have produced another stellar season in all event areas. While the team doesn't have as much depth as its championship teams from the past, the top-end talent on the roster has shined, especially in recent weeks.

Heidi Barton has cemented herself as one of the premier middle-distance runners in the region and will look to retain her title in the women's 1,500m. Folole Torres and Shandrey Allman have dominated the hurdle events in recent years in the USA South, and are poised for even more success. Jilane Pedersen is another returner who won an individual championship last season in the javelin throw.

Southern Virginia will look to win its fourth USA South Outdoor Championship in as many tries. In February, they repeated as indoor champions, defeating second-place N.C. Wesleyan by nearly 90 points as Surraiya Mahmud won Rookie Field Athlete of the Meet, and Kyle Chandler was awarded Women's Coach of the Year.

The meet will take place from Friday, April 25th, through Saturday, April 26th, at the Jay M. Robinson Mondo Track and Field Facility in Concord, North Carolina.

For the most up-to date information and details on the team, visit knightathletics.com and follow @knightxctf on Instagram.