LA JOLLA, Calif. - Coming off an impressive performance at the Runners Soul Erik Anderson Invitational over the weekend, the UC San Diego women's cross country team earned a No. 23 ranking in this week's U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association national poll on Wednesday.

The Tritons, who have finished seventh or higher in all four of their races in 2011, are making their first appearance in the USTFCCAA Top 25 this season. UCSD was last ranked nationally during week six of the 2009 campaign, also coming in at No. 23 in that poll.

"Obviously we're pleased to be back in the top 25, but we know we've still got a lot of work to do to get where we want to be," fifth-year head coach Nate Garcia said. "We had an excellent day on Saturday so its good to see our gals getting recognized for their efforts to this point in the season."

The Tritons placed fifth out of 26 teams at the Erik Anderson Invite in Spokane on Saturday, but they were the second Division II squad in the final standings, coming in behind only Western Washington (ranked No. 17 in this week's poll).

UCSD finished in front of other West Regional opponents Seattle Pacific, Alaska Fairbanks and Western Oregon.

The Tritons will take this weekend off to prepare for the annual UCSD Triton Classic on Saturday, October 8 on campus. Among the participating teams will be CCAA rival Cal Poly Pomona, which ranks 21st in this week's poll.

Click here for the complete USTFCCCA national ranklngs.