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. 8 DII women’s spot goes to Alaska Anchorage and here's why:

Projected Top Five:

SR Emmah Chelimo (16:59 5K; 23rd at ‘18 NCAA XC)

JR Nancy Jeptoo (17:16 5K; 38th at ‘18 NCAA XC)

SO Ruth Cvancara (2:10 800; 175th at ‘18 NCAA XC)

SR Riley Burroughs (214th at ‘18 NCAA XC)

SO Grace Gannon (10:14 3K)

Impact Freshmen/Transfers:

N/A

Analysis: 

Just like the men’s team at Anchorage, the Lady Seawolves have no margin for error when it comes to their tiny roster of just six. But with two All-Americans coming back from last season, Emmah Chelimo and Nancy Jeptoo, UAA has the ability to crack the top 10 again after placing sixth in 2018.

Chelimo and Jeptoo need to each have big days at nationals in order to make up for the weakness of the rest of the roster. With nobody else having previously sniffed the top 100 at NCAAs, the two Kenyans have to go low — likely top 20 low — to counter the inexperience behind them. The good news is that sophomore Ruth Cvancara had a strong track season and has shown better than her 175th-place finish would suggest. Her improvement will be key.

The rest of the top five is a big question mark, but this team can’t be ignored with the power they have up front.

FULL RANKINGS HERE