Follow our 2019 FloXC Countdown, where FloTrack ranks the top 10 cross country teams in NCAA DII/DIII this season. The 2019 NCAA Cross Country Championships will be LIVE on FloTrack for all three divisions. And be sure to watch our LIVE FloXC Podium Reveal Show Monday, Aug. 26, at 10 AM CT. The No. 9 DII women’s spot goes to UC-Colorado Springs and here's why:

Projected Top Five:

SR Kayla Wooten (4:47 Mile; 8th at ‘18 NCAA XC)

SO Hannah Ellis (17:39 5K; 104th at ‘18 NCAA XC)

SR Katie Novak (123rd at ‘18 NCAA XC)

SO Natalie Church (132nd at ‘18 NCAA XC)

JR Molly Weir (206th at ‘18 NCAA XC)

Impact Freshmen/Transfers:

N/A

Analysis: 

Led by perpetual All-American Kayla Wooten, UC-Colorado Springs is well-positioned to score their first top-10 NCAA finish since 2012 after placing 11th at nationals last fall. In addition to Wooten, who was eighth in Pittsburgh a year ago, the Mountain Lions return three other members of their top five, continuity that will help UCCS build on the gains they made last year.

With Wooten in the top 10 and the injection of two freshmen last year — Hannah Ellis and Natalie Church — Colorado Springs improved by six places from their 17th-place 2017 finish. The Mountain Lions have similar potential this season now that their entire top five has NCAA experience. With at least one of the 2-5 runners likely to be much improved this season, UCCS is a sleeper squad that could exceed their No. 9 ranking come November.

FULL RANKINGS HERE