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. 15 women's spot goes to Furman, and here's why:

Probable Top Five:

JR Savannah Carnahan (9:11 3K; 15:48 5K; 46th at ‘17 NCAA XC)

JR Gabrielle Jennings (4:21 1500; 10:02 3K SC; 60th at ‘17 NCAA XC)

SO Kristlin Gear (4:26 1500; 9:52 71 3K SC; 239th at ‘17 NCAA XC)

JR Grace Dwyer (9:48 3K; 17:00 5K; 125th at ‘17 NCAA XC)

JR Emma Grace Hurley (9:22 3K; 126th at ‘17 NCAA XC)

Impact Freshmen/Transfers:

Leah Roter via Beachwood, OH (10:29 3200; 1st at '17 OH State XC)

Annika Sleenhof via Brentwood, TN (5:00 1600; 10:32 3200; 19th at '17 NXN)

Kathleen Simms via Louisville, KY (4:57 Mile; 10:34 3200; 7th at '17 NXR Southeast)  

Analysis:

After their historic 2017, Furman looks to head back to the big stage again this fall. Last year’s squad was the first women’s team in school history to qualify for the NCAA Championships. And when they got there they ran like they belonged, placing seventh among the nation's best.

That will be a tough act to follow, especially after losing their top runner, Allie Buchalski, to graduation. Buchalski placed ninth last fall at the 2017 NCAA Cross Country Championships and second in the 5000m at the outdoor championships.  While it’s impossible to fill that void, the rest of the team is back, including Savannah Carnahan and Gabrielle Jennings--two top 60 finishers from 2017. 

The incoming freshman class is strong and could provide a nice surprise for the Paladins. Kathleen Simms was a sub-five miler, Annika Sleenhof finished 19th at Nike Cross Nationals and Leah Roter was an Ohio state cross country champion.  

FULL RANKINGS HERE