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. 7 DIII women’s spot goes to Williams, and here's why:

Projected Top Five:

SR Emma Herrmann (17:26 5K; 35:52 10K; 46th at ‘18 NCAA XC)

SR Audrey Rustad (17:19 5K; 37th at ‘17 NCAA XC)

JR Sarah Tully (108th at ‘18 NCAA XC)

SO Grace Dailey (114th at ‘18 NCAA XC)

SR Anna Passannante (4:46 Mile)

Impact Freshmen/Transfers:

N/A

Analysis: 

The women of Williams return four of their top five from 2018’s seventh-place team, and with that they certainly have the pieces to get back on the podium after missing it the last two seasons. 

In seniors Emma Herrmann and Audrey Rustad, the Ephs have two potential All-Americans who have each scored on multiple NCAA XC teams. Rustad was 61st last November, but her 37th-place showing from two years ago is more indicative of her ability. Herrmann has always been a good track runner, and based on her 17:26/35:52 PBs, she hasn’t shown the best of herself yet at cross nationals.

Williams has solid contributors slotted into the 3-4 spots in Sarah Tully and Grace Dailey, both of whom scored for the Ephs last November. The wildcard on the roster is senior Anna Passannante, who, despite owning a 4:46 mile personal best, has yet to excel in cross country. But if the 2019 NCAA indoor 800m and mile runner-up can figure out the 6K this year, this team becomes a lot more formidable.

FULL RANKINGS HERE