Release courtesy of the USTFCCCA

NEW ORLEANS – For the third time this season a new women's team has moved atop the National Team Computer Rankings in NCAA Division II Track & Field, while recent champions are gearing up for another battle on the men's side.

With less than a month to go before the March 11-12 NCAA DII Championships in Pittsburg, Kansas, the Hillsdale women charged past former favorites Lincoln (Mo.) and Grand Valley State to the top of the rankings for the first time in program history.

The three remain close, with Hillsdale's 151.90 point total very reachable by Lincoln (146.14) and GVSU (146.14). No. 4 Pittsburg State remains very much in the conversation with 134.83 points.

Meanwhile, the defending national men's champions, Adams State, held steady atop its gender's leaderboard as Saint Augustine's – the national indoor champions in 2013 and 2014 – edged out Grand Valley State for the No. 2 spot.

The Grizzlies checked in with 229.05 points for a healthy 60-point edge over SAU (167.48) and GVSU (167.25), as well as No. 4 Tiffin (163.81).

The rankings were announced Tuesday by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA).

Hillsdale, last year's national runners-up indoors, once again piled up rankings points in the distance events to jump 22.45 points from a week ago. The Chargers' distance medley relay squad came through at No. 2 in the country, while Emily Oren added a top-four effort in a fourth individual distance event at 5000 meters. Oren only ran the 3000 and DMR at NCAAs a year ago, but again has options with top-five times in the 800, mile, 3000, 5000 and DMR.

Hannah McIntyre added the No. 6 time at 5000 meters, while Dana Newell checked in at No. 8 in the weight throw.

Lincoln and GVSU both fell about 20 points from a week ago to open the door for Hillsdale's ascent to No. 1.