Sept. 30, 2014 NEW ORLEANS - Following four strong performances to start the 2014 season, the Baylor women's cross country team debuted at No. 24 in the week three edition of the National Coaches Poll released Tuesday by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA).

"We are excited to back in the rankings, but we know we can still run better than what we did this last weekend," head coach Todd Harbour said. "The girls are satisfied, but in no way complacent. We believe this is just the beginning and we will keep moving up from here."

The ranking is BU's first since being ranked No. 28 to end the 2009 season. The Lady Bears were among teams receiving votes for the first three polls of 2014. On Monday, Baylor also moved up to No. 2 in the USTFCCCA's South Central region rankings, which is its ranking highest since at least 2010.

Over the weekend, Baylor placed fifth in a field of 36 teams at the prestigious Roy Griak Invitational. The Lady Bears beat out three ranked teams in that meet including: No. 11 Butler, 22nd-ranked Vanderbilt and No. 28 Minnesota.

The squad won the Bear Twilight Invitational to open the season and then recorded runner-up finishes at the UTA Season Opener and the Texas A&M Invitational in its next two meets.

For the first time all season, senior Rachel Johnson was part of BU's contingent at the Griak event. The returning All-Big 12 runner placed second overall in the loaded field.

The Baylor women, along with the men will take part in the Chile Pepper Festival on Saturday in Fayetteville, Ark.

For the latest news on the Baylor cross country team follow its official Twitter account: @BaylorTrack.