Women's Division II Pre-Season Rankings
Women's Division II Pre-Season Rankings
That's right. It's time to start talking about cross country again.
While athletes across the country continue to put in their summer miles and prepare for the long road ahead, we've been gathering data to find out who will be crowned champion at the NCAA D2 Cross Country Championships this November in Joplin, MO. Take a look at the top 10 teams as of early September.
Last Year: 1st
The Returning Squad:
Kendra Foley (1st at NCAA XC '14; 16:43 5K)
Jessica Janecke (3rd at NCAA XC '14; 9:47 3K)
Jordan Chester (34th at NCAA XC '14)
Amy Creutz (37th at NCAA XC '14; 9:43 3K; 17:01 5K)
Kelly Haubert (53rd at NCAA XC '14,\; 18:32 5K)
X-Factors:
Gina Patterson (10:29 3200)
Taylor Monheim (10:10 3K)
Vanessa Sanchez (17:38 5K)
Analysis:
I really don't see anyone beating Grand Valley State this year. Their display of dominance last year at nationals was incredible, with their top three runners scoring a total of six points.
While they do lose two of their top seven to graduation, the Lakers still bring four All Americans back with them. Reigning champion Kendra Foley will look to defend her title, while Jessica Janecke is the next best returner. On top of all that, they also add high school phenom Gina Patterson (10:29 3200m) along with several other redshirt freshmen to the squad. Anything other than victory in Joplin would be considered an upset.
Grand Valley State going 1-2-3 at the 2014 NCAA Division 2 Championships in Louisville, KY.
Last Year: 2nd
The Returning Squad:
Kristina Galat (7th at NCAA XC '14; 16:30 5K)
Emily Oren (12th at NCAA XC '14; 16:17 5K)
Molly Oren (23rd at NCAA XC '14; 17:28 5K)
Hannah Mcintyre (24th at NCAA XC '14; 16:52 5K)
Kathryn Royer (75th at NCAA XC '14; 4:36 1500)
Chelsea Kilgore (99th at NCAA XC '14; 17:16 5K; 36:18 10K)
Madeline Richards (214th at NCAA XC '14)
X-Factors:
N/A
Analysis:
Perhaps overshowded by Grand Valley State's outstanding performance last year, Hillsdale also had a very strong performance at NCAAs, scoring just 115 points. Seeing as they don't lose a single woman from last year's squad, another second-place finish at NCAAs would not be surprising by any means. Last year's 12th place finisher Emily Oren showed she is a serious threat to challenge for an individual title this year after winning the 3K steeple as well as the 5K this past spring at the NCAA Championships. While Kristina Galat ran 16:30 for the 5K. The main advantage Grand Valley has over Hillsdale is their No. 5. If the Chargers can get their five and six runners to place in the top 50 or 60, Hillsdale will surely score less than 115 points this year.
Last Year: 4th
The Returning Squad:
Jenna Thurman (8th at NCAA XC '14; 16:26 5K)
Maura O’Brien (9th at NCAA XC '14; 16:39 5K)
Rachel Kresl (29th at NCAA XC '14; 17:35 5K)
Miriam Jimenez (107th at NCAA XC '14)
X-Factors:
Grace Tinkey (9:33 3K)
Analysis:
Other than losing their No. 4, No. 5 and No. 6 runners, the Grizzlies strength is up front. Jenna Thurman and Muara O'Brien, who finished eighth and ninth last year both produced solid times on the track, running 16:26 and 16:39, respectively. They also return All-American Rachel Kres, who ran 17:35 for the 5K this spring. Fomer Furman runner Grace Tinkey, who has run 9:33 in the indoor 3K will compete for the Grizzlies this fall. Although the women's team doesn't have as rich of a history as the men's side, it should be known that Adams State competes best during championship season. If Hillsdale or Grand Valley have a few hiccups in Joplin, Adams State will be the first in line for a title.
Last Year: 3rd
The Returning Squad:
Emilee Trost (18th at NCAA XC '14; 4:23 1500)
Breanna Colbenson (25th at NCAA XC '14)
Hannah Olson (27th at NCAA XC '14; 17:18 5K; 10:31 3K Steeple)
Amber Seidnkranz (133rd at NCAA XC '14)
McKenzie Holt (185th at NCAA XC '14)
X-Factors:
Allyson Girard (5:06 1600; 11:03 3200)
Analysis:
Minnesota Duluth is one strong runner away from challenging for a spot on the podium, but against the depth of Hillsdale, Grand Valley, and Adams State, their No. 4 and No. 5 runners will need to finish higher than 100th to make them a quality team. Their top three of Emilee Trost, Breanna Colbenson and Hannah Olson will surely hold up the front end of their pack even if they can close to where they did last year. Trost was one of the top 1500m runners in the division, while Hannah Olson ranked 11th in the division for the steeplechase. Look for incoming freshman Allyson Girard to make an immediate impact on their team score.
Last Year: 7th
The Returning Squad:
Rebecca Bassett (43rd at NCAA XC '14; 4:36 1500)
Kansas Mackenzie (56th at NCAA XC '14; 4:40 1500)
Peggy Noel (60th at NCAA XC '14; 17:50 5K)
Miryam Bassett (83rd at NCAA XC '14; 5:05 Mile)
Emma Chadsey (147th at NCAA XC '14; 18:27 5K)
Brittany Evans (155th at NCAA XC '14)
X Factors:
N/A
Analysis:
Simon Fraser is the best team without a "low stick." In contrast to a team like Duluth, Simon Fraser's strength is within their number four and five runners. They also return six of their returners from last year, which puts them in the same category of teams like Grand Valley State and Hillsdale when talking about championship expierence. Look for Rebecca Bassett, who finished third at west regionals and 43rd last year at NCAAs to lead the charge for the clan.
Last Year: 5th
The Returning Squad:
Leah Seiverrt (10th at NCAA XC '14; 16:47 5K)
Annie Kruse (36th at NCAA XC '14; 17:46 5K)
Avery Selberg (110th at NCAA XC '14)
Cassidy Soli (184th at NCAA XC '14)
X-Factors:
Ita Eltervag (4:33 1500; 10:10 3K)
Analysis:
The Vikings have two low sticks in sophomore standouts Leah Seivert and Annie Kruse, who finished 10th and 36th, respectively, at the NCAA Championships last fall. The Vikings will also be relying on some up and coming younger athletes to step up and make an immediate impact. As Head Coach Tracy Hellman said in the pre-season preview, “This is the best recruiting class since I have been here at Augustana.” That recruiting class includes high school conference champion Courtney Hottovy, state qualifier Mackenzie Kelly, all-state runner Amanda Nelson, and top five state finisher Annika Rotvold. Those athletes along with a solid crew of returners should carry the Vikings to a top 10 NCAA finish this year.
Last Year: 13th
The Returning Squad:
Enriquetta Peinado (52nd at NCAA XC '14; 4:36 1500; 17:18 5K)
Sadie Gastelum (70th at NCAA XC '14; 17:29 5K; 36:03 10K)
Alex Burkhart (86th at NCAA XC '14; 10:27 3K Steeple; 17:20 5K)
Camila Turati (112th at NCAA XC '14)
Rebekah Bahra (168th at NCAA XC '14)
Lora James (198th at NCAA XC '14; 2:12 800; 4:34 1500)
X-Factors:
Olivia Watt (2:09 800; 4:22 1500; 17:24 5K)
Haley Kroll (60th at NCAA XC '13; 17:41 5K)
Julie Finn (18:33 5K)
Desirae Jones (10:52 3200)
Analysis:
Last year, Chico State was 11 points shy of a top 10 finish. With no All-Americans on the team, their strength came in the form of their three, four and five runners, which led them to the best team spread of the top 20 squads at 0:42. Looking ahead, the 'Cats only lose one runner to graduation, and bring back a young, but expierenced squad. With their top three finishers all producing solid marks on the track this spring, and a handful of new runners that could potentailly make an immediate impact, the Wildcats will surely be a top 10 team if they can stay healthy.
Last Year: 8th
The Returning Squad:
Caroline Kurgat (46th at NCAA XC '14; 4:36 1500; 17:15 5K; 35:28 10K)
Beatrice Decker (79th at NCAA XC '14; 4:30 1500; 11:06 3K Steeple)
Jessica Pahkala (121st at NCAA XC '14; 4:30 1500)
Mariah Burroughs (145th at NCAA XC '14; 4:44 1500; 18:35 5K)
Tamara Perez (190th at NCAA XC '14; 4:31 1500)
X-Factors:
Kimberly Coscia (33rd at FL '14)
Analysis:
Incoming sophomore Caroline Kurgat is riding a stellar freshman year that included a 46th-place finish at the 2014 NCAA Cross Country Championships. She will be joined by rising seniors Beatrice Decker, who finished 79th last year, and Jessica Pahkala who finished 121st in 2014. On the track, Kurgat continued her successful streak with a 13th-place finish in the 10K at the NCAA Outdoor Championships. Decker competed in the 1500m at the NCAA Championships and Pakhala in the 800m. The Seawolves also gain an impactful freshmen class that includes Kimberly Coscia and Kaitlyn Maker. Coscia finished 33rd at the Footlocker National Championships while a senior at South Torrance High School. Maker recently transferred from Grand Valley State to join the Seawolves, and should make a strong contribution as well.
Last Year: 11th
The Returning Squad:
Sarah Meek (45th at NCAA XC '14)
Mackenzie Keller (77th at NCAA XC '14; 4:39 1500)
Hannah Campbell (100th at NCAA XC '14; 17:01 5K)
Laura Tweedie (157th at NCAA XC '14; 18:54 5K)
X-Factors:
Rachel Koons (18:43 5K)
Analysis:
Although the women of Malone placed 11th at last year’s NCAA Championships, the Pioneers should improve upon the performance with a strong incoming class of young athletes. The lone senior Sarah Meek, who finished 45th at last year’s championships, already has a fifth-place finish under her belt from the Tommy Evans Invitational. Sophomore Hannah Campbell has also already proven to be a strong contributor this fall after finishing second at the same meet. Campbell also holds personal bests of 17:01 in the 5K and 9:54 in the 3K. Mackie Keller, who finished 77th at the NCAA Championships last year, will also return to contribute once again. Others from the sophomore class that could potentially prove valuable are Rachel Koons, Jade Smith, and Laura Tweedie. If the younger class can come together and step up, the Pioneers could be a formidable opponent in 2015.
Last Year: 10th
The Returning Squad:
Ann Miller (58th at NCAA XC '14; 4:42 1500; 10:27 3K Steeple)
Molly Reicher (62nd at NCAA XC '14)
Hannah Barringer (130th at NCAA XC '14)
Nicole DeMontigny (167th at NCAA XC '14)
Taylor Baird (178th at NCAA XC '14)
X-Factors:
Kara Burton (17:37 3 Mile)
Analysis:
It's the war of attrition this year in Division 2, and Colorado Mines simply brings back more returning women than any team that has top 10 potential. Championship racing experience goes a long way, and this group of women knows what it takes to finish in the top 10. While nobody can really be considered a "low-stick," their strength comes in their pack running. If Ann Miller and Molly Reicher can both finish as All Americans, and their three through five runners can finish a bit higher up with the same spread as last year, I don't see why Mines can't finish inside the top 10 again.