NEW ORLEANS --- The Minnesota State women's track and field team has improved to third in the latest edition of the USTFCCCA DII Rating Index.

MSU, which was ranked fifth back on April 16, improved to two spots after securing their third consecutive NSIC Outdoor Track & Field Championship.

The Mavericks boast nine national top-five marks and 13 top-10 marks. Senior Denisha Cartwright currently boasts the top times in both in the 100m hurdles (12.60) and the 200m (22.71w) in Division II.

Adams State sits atop the index with 548.84 points and is followed by Pittsburg State in second with 380.03 points. MSU's 340.8 points ranked third and the Mavericks are followed by Grand Valley State (312.03 points) and West Texas A&M (292.58 points).

The NCAA Outdoor Championships are scheduled for May 23-25 and will be held at Welch Stadium in Emporia, Kan.