KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Montreat College women's track & field team returned to the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) NAIA Women's Outdoor Track & Field Rating Index (TFRI), that according to a release from the organization on Tuesday morning. Surging up seven spots, the Cavaliers slotted in at No. 23 in the updated poll.
 
In total, the Cavs accrued 107.76 points this week, 2.52 points better than 24^th-rated Indiana Tech and 1.56 points back of MidAmerican Nazarene (Kan.). The Cavaliers stand as the highest-rated Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) program and the fourth-best rated South Region squad.
 
Heather Murphy and Emma Barnes combined for four top-11 marks across the NAIA, including three inside the top five overall. A native of Portarlington, Ireland, Murphy currently owns the association's best 10k time (33:38.48) and second-fastest 5000m showing (16:12.77). Meanwhile, Barnes holds the No. 4 heptathlon mark thanks to her school-record effort of 4,824 points. The senior also ranks 11^th in the javelin (43.12m).
 
For a look at the latest USTFCCCA NAIA Women's Outdoor TFRI, click here.
 
The Montreat College women's track & field team puts its national rating to the test next week at the 2026 NAIA Men's and Women's Outdoor Track & Field Championships, which are slated for May 20-22 in Asheville, N.C.