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 DIII women’s spot goes to Carleton, and here's why:

Projected Top Five:

JR Emma Greenlee (44th at ‘18 NCAA XC)

JR Amanda Mosborg (17:35 5K; 66th at ‘18 NCAA XC)

FR Clara Mayfield (4:52 1600; 10:36 3200; 3rd at ‘18 KS State Meet)

SR Marietta Geist (111th at ‘18 NCAA XC)

FR Sophia Maag (1st at ‘18 OK State Meet)

Impact Freshmen/Transfers:

Clara Mayfield via Manhattan, KS (4:52 1600; 10:36 3200; 3rd at ‘18 KS State Meet)

Sophia Maag via Norman, OK (1st at ‘18 OK State Meet)

Analysis: 

With near-All-American Emma Greenlee leading the way and two talented freshmen added to last year’s 10th-place women’s team, Carleton is in position to improve at nationals in 2019. 

The Knights bring back four women who competed at NCAAs last fall, including 44th-place finisher Greenlee, who had a nice spring to support her great cross country season. She went from 18th at the regional meet as a freshman to third in 2018, and a similar jump in year three could have her in the top 30 at nationals.

Coach Donna Ricks has some solid and experienced runners behind Greenlee, but the potential of this team rests on the development of two true freshmen who look ready to contribute right away. Clara Mayfield of Kansas has great track times — 4:52 1600, 10:36 3200 — that show she could be a top-50 factor at NCAAs this season. The same goes for Oklahoma native Sophia Maag, who won her state meet last year.

The Knights sit at eighth for now because of their reliance on new blood, but this team will have much higher aspirations than that.

FULL RANKINGS HERE