BURNSVILLE, Minn. --- The Minnesota State women's track and field team has been picked to finish second in the NSIC Outdoor Track and Field Preseason Coaches' Poll.

The Mavericks received 180 points, while the University of Mary topped the poll with 14 first-place votes and 196 points. Augustana (3rd/164 points), Winona State (4th/160 points) and Minnesota Duluth (5th/144 points) rounded out the top-five.

Senior Alexis Smith was named MSU's Track Athlete to Watch, while sophomore Katie Taylor was named MSU's Field Athlete to Watch. Earlier this season, Smith earned All-American honors in the 60m hurdles at the NCAA Indoor Championships, while Taylor claimed four NSIC Field Athlete of the Week honors.
  
Minnesota State continues its outdoor schedule on Saturday as it takes part in the Mustang Open in Marshall, Minn., and the Viking Olympics in Rock Island, Ill.