SEATTLE (Aug. 30) ­Seattle Pacific University has been rated the No. 5 in this season's women's rankings for NCAA Division II cross country.

The Falcons, who finished sixth nationally last fall, are the top team in the West Region.

Adams State (Co.) is No. 1, ahead of Harding (Ar.), Western State (Co.) and Grand Valley State (Mi.).

SPU begins its season in earnest Sept. 8 with the Emerald City Open at Seattle's Woodland Park.

1. Adams State
2. Harding
3. Western State
4. Grand Valley State
5. Seattle Pacific
6. Augustana
7. Cal State Los Angeles
8. Edinboro
9. Chico State
10. Wisconsin Parkside
11. Colorado Springs
12. Abilene Christian
13. Kutztown
14. UC San Diego
15. Slippery Rock
16. Pittsburg State
17. North Dakota
18. Alabama Huntsville
19. Findley
20. Tampa
21. Southern Indiana
22. Bloomsburg
23. Stonehill
24. Missouri Southern
25. Central Missouri