Follow our 2017 FloXC Countdown, where FloTrack ranks the top 25 cross country teams and individuals in the NCAA this season which will be LIVE on FloTrack. And, be sure to watch our LIVE FloXC Podium Reveal Show Tuesday September 12th at 10AM CT. The No. 8 women's spot goes to Penn State, and here's why:

Probable Top Five:

SR Elizabeth Chikotas (9:17 3K; 16:04 5K; 15th at '16 NCAA XC)
SR Jillian Hunsberger (16:01 5K; 33:29 10K; 10th at '17 NCAA 10K; 36th at '16 NCAA XC)
JR Tessa Barrett (9:07 3K; 15:28 5K; 5th at '17 NCAA Indoor 5K; 38th at '15 NCAA XC)
JR Greta Lindsley (4:25 1500; 9:36 3K; 10:22 3K SC)
SO Kathryn Munks (9:39 3K; 16:28 5K; 34:05 10K)

Impact Freshmen/Transfers:

Victoria Tachinski via Canada (2:03 800; 6th at '16 World Jr. 800; 1st at '17 Pan Am 800)

Analysis:

The Penn State Nittany Lions finished 18th at the NCAA cross country championships but should experience a significant jump with a strong set of returning upperclassmen.

In the spring, the Nittany Lions saw massive improvements from Jillian Hunsberger and Tessa Barrett. Hunsberger, who finished 36th at the NCAA cross country championships last fall, claimed a 10th-place finish in the 10K at the NCAA outdoor championships in June. Barrett earned All-American honors in the 5K at both the NCAA indoor and outdoor championships last year. Her season was highlighted by a 5K personal best of 15:28 and a fifth-place finish at the NCAA indoor championships.

Elizabeth Chikotas is returning after a breakthrough fall in which she finished 15th at the NCAA cross country championships, her highest finish at the meet. She only raced twice in the spring, but if she returns healthy, she could lead several women within All-American range.

Top scorers Greta Lindsley and Kathryn Munks are also ready for improvements this fall after setting several personal bests in their respective events in the spring.

FULL WOMEN'S RANKINGS HERE