The U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) announced on Tuesday, August 24 the preseason regional cross country rankings in Division II. The Fort Hays State women's team is ranked No. 5 in the South Central Region behind fellow MIAA members Missouri Southern, Truman State, Pittsburg State and Northwest Missouri State. The MIAA occupies the first seven spots in the poll, with Central Missouri and Emporia State ranked directly behind the Tigers. The South Central Region is made up of teams from the MIAA, Lone Star Conference and the Heartland Conference. 

The Lady Tigers held their Fifth Annual Open Range Festival Tuesday, August 17, with the competitors running a five mile time-trial. Finishing first for the Tigers was sophomore Gentry Linscott in a time of 31:33. Senior Hali Mobley was next, finishing at 32:33. Other top runners included junior Gipsy Bird, freshman Hannah Robinson and sophomore Kelly Nuckolls. 

The Tigers have one more race before beginning the regular season as they host the FHSU Alumni Run on Saturday, September 4 in Hays. The first varsity race of the season will be the Colorado College Invitational in Colorado Springs, Colo. on Saturday, September 18.