UPDATE: Providence's pre-season ranking has been changed to No. 19 due to a last minute NCAA transfer.

Follow our 2018 FloXC Countdown, where FloTrack ranks the top 25 cross country teams and individuals in the NCAA this season which will be LIVE on FloTrack. And, be sure to watch our LIVE FloXC Podium Reveal Show Tuesday, September 11th at 10 AM CT. The No. 19 women's spot goes to Providence, and here's why:

Probable Top Five:

SR Regan Rome (15:58 5K; 33:06 10K; 69th at ‘16 NCAA XC; 25th at ‘15 NCAA XC)

SR Tessa Barrett (9:07 3K; 15:28 5K; 34:22 10K; 38th at ‘15 NCAA XC)

JR Abbey Wheeler (9:18 3K; 15:57 5K; 101st at ‘17 NCAA XC)

FR Abby D’Sylva (4:28 1500)

SO Maria Coffin (9:48 3K; 16:44 5K; 245th at ‘17 NCAA XC)

Impact Freshmen/Transfers:

Abby D’Sylva via Australia (4:28 1500)

Tessa Barrett via Penn State (9:07 3K; 15:28 5K; 34:22 10K; 38th at ‘15 NCAA XC)

Regan Rome via William & Mary (15:58 5K; 33:06 10K; 69th at ‘16 NCAA XC; 25th at ‘15 NCAA XC)

Analysis:

After losing their top three to graduation, the Friars will lean heavily on two incoming transfers this fall. Regan Rome arrives at Providence from William & Mary where she competed in the last three NCAA Cross Country Championships. Tessa Barrett also has a wealth of experience from her time at Penn State. In 2017, she was 10th in the 3000m indoors and fifth in the 5000m at the NCAA Indoor Championships. 

Joining them in the top five could be Abbey Wheeler, Abby D’Sylva and Maria Coffin. Wheeler qualified for the NCAA Championships outdoors in the 5000m and has a 15:57 to her name. 

Coffin has a lifetime best of 16:44 and ran on the squad that placed 16th last fall at the NCAA Cross Country Championships last fall. D’Sylva could be an impact freshman after running 4:28 in the 1500m and winning the Australian junior championships in the 5000m.

FULL RANKINGS HERE