Follow our 2018 FloXC Countdown, where FloTrack ranks the top cross country teams in the NCAA this season, which will be LIVE on FloTrack. The No. 5 women’s spot in DIII goes to Tufts, and here's why:

Probable Top Five:

SR Oliva Barnett (59th at ’17 NCAA XC)

SR Natalie Bettez (17:39 5K; 76th at ’17 NCAA XC)

JR Lydia Heely (126th at ’17 NCAA XC)

SO Johanna Ross (164th at ’17 NCAA XC)

SR Kelsey Tierney (17:46 5K; 195th at ’17 NCAA XC)

Impact Freshmen/Transfers:

N/A

Analysis:

After tying their best-ever NCAA finish last year in seventh, the Jumbos of Tufts return five of their top seven, including two runners who placed inside the top 100 in 2017. The progression of seniors Olivia Barnett and Natalie Bettez, 59th and 76th last year, respectively, will determine whether Tufts can overcome the graduation of All-American Brittany Bowman and remain among the nation’s best programs.

With both Barnett and Bettez dramatically improving last year— Bettez improved 39 places at NCAAs, while Barnett made her nationals debut— it’s certainly possible that one or both of them could take another step forward this year to become an All-American. The jury is still out on that one, however, as neither woman raced on the track this past spring.

Behind the top two, Tufts brings back three other athletes who finished among the top-200 at NCAAs. Senior-to-be Kelsey Tierney was the third of that trio last season, but she had by far the best track season of the bunch this spring, running 4:46/17:46 PRs in the 1500/5K. Tierney had never run faster than 5:04/17:59 before 2018. If her upward trajectory continues this fall, Tufts could have another top-100 finisher to complement their solid 1-2 punch.

FULL RANKINGS HERE