Saucony Flo50 XC Countdown: #26 Virginia Women
Saucony Flo50 XC Countdown: #26 Virginia Women
Check out the Saucony Flo50 XC Countdown, where FloTrack ranks the top 31 cross country teams in the NCAA this season. The No. 26 spot goes to Virginia this
Check out the Saucony Flo50 XC Countdown, where FloTrack ranks the top 31 cross country teams in the NCAA this season. The No. 26 spot goes to Virginia this year, and here's why:
SO Emily Mulhern (16:28 5K; 12th at '15 NCAA Southeast XC)
SR Sarah Astin (9:29 3K; 16:27 5K; 123rd at '15 NCAA XC)
SR Beth Hawling (12th at '15 World University XC; 21st at '15 Euro XC)
JR Maria Hauger (16:14 5K; 34:16 10K; 176th at '15 NCAA XC)
Impact Freshmen/Transfers:
Beth Hawling via United Kingdom(12th at '15 World University XC; 21st at '15 Euro XC)
Nadia Power via Ireland (2:10 800; 4:24 1500)
Olivia Sargent via Yardley, PA (4:54 Mile; 10:29 3200; '15 PA XC State Champ)
Analysis:
The reigning ACC champions had a nearly flawless 2015 with conference and NCAA regional titles, but lost ACC champions and NCAA qualifiers Cleo Boyd and Iona Lake to graduation. After a disappointing NCAA finish (15th), it will be more of challenge for the Cavalier women to get to the Big Dance this fall.
Megan Rebholtz slashed 10 seconds off her 5K best this past spring and contributed points at the ACC Championships in the 10K. After finishing 76th in Louisville last fall, she's next in line to fill Boyd and Lake's shoes.
Emily Mulhern started her fall campaign strong before finishing 247th in Louisville. She advanced to the NCAA East Prelims in the spring after not competing during the indoor season so her health and fitness appear to be on the upswing. Sarah Astin also had a great early fall as a key member of the Virginia squad by winning conference and regional titles, but did not contribute during track season. If healthy, these two will need to run up front with Rebholtz to give Virginia a solid 1-2-3 punch.
Beth Hawling of the U.K. should contribute upon her arrival in Virginia. The graduate student has plenty of European cross country experience and will have one year of eligibility with the Cavaliers.
Previously:
#27 Villanova
#28 Vanderbilt
#29 Texas
#30 Florida
#31 Minnesota
Probable Top Five:
JR Megan Rebholtz (16:31 5K; 76th at '15 NCAA XC)SO Emily Mulhern (16:28 5K; 12th at '15 NCAA Southeast XC)
SR Sarah Astin (9:29 3K; 16:27 5K; 123rd at '15 NCAA XC)
SR Beth Hawling (12th at '15 World University XC; 21st at '15 Euro XC)
JR Maria Hauger (16:14 5K; 34:16 10K; 176th at '15 NCAA XC)
Impact Freshmen/Transfers:
Beth Hawling via United Kingdom(12th at '15 World University XC; 21st at '15 Euro XC)Nadia Power via Ireland (2:10 800; 4:24 1500)
Olivia Sargent via Yardley, PA (4:54 Mile; 10:29 3200; '15 PA XC State Champ)
Analysis:
The reigning ACC champions had a nearly flawless 2015 with conference and NCAA regional titles, but lost ACC champions and NCAA qualifiers Cleo Boyd and Iona Lake to graduation. After a disappointing NCAA finish (15th), it will be more of challenge for the Cavalier women to get to the Big Dance this fall. Megan Rebholtz slashed 10 seconds off her 5K best this past spring and contributed points at the ACC Championships in the 10K. After finishing 76th in Louisville last fall, she's next in line to fill Boyd and Lake's shoes.
Emily Mulhern started her fall campaign strong before finishing 247th in Louisville. She advanced to the NCAA East Prelims in the spring after not competing during the indoor season so her health and fitness appear to be on the upswing. Sarah Astin also had a great early fall as a key member of the Virginia squad by winning conference and regional titles, but did not contribute during track season. If healthy, these two will need to run up front with Rebholtz to give Virginia a solid 1-2-3 punch.
Beth Hawling of the U.K. should contribute upon her arrival in Virginia. The graduate student has plenty of European cross country experience and will have one year of eligibility with the Cavaliers.
Previously:
#27 Villanova
#28 Vanderbilt
#29 Texas
#30 Florida
#31 Minnesota