Follow our 2018 FloXC Countdown, where FloTrack ranks the top cross country teams in the NCAA this season, which will be LIVE on FloTrack. The No. 6 women’s spot in DIII goes to Middlebury, and here's why:

Probable Top Five:

SR Abigail Nadler (9:58 3K; 17:13 5K; 7th at ’17 NCAA XC)

SR Rory Kelly (17:52 5K; 88th at ’17 NCAA XC)

SR Kate MacCary (17:13 5K; 116th at ’17 NCAA XC)

SR Alexis Jakubowski (5:09 Mile; 193rd at ’17 NCAA XC)

SR Claire Gomba (5:13 Mile)

Impact Freshmen/Transfers:

N/A

Analysis:

Middlebury College keeps their top three intact in 2018 as they look to improve upon their 11th place finish at nationals last fall. With a top 10 NCAA returner in Abigail Nadler, and three other experienced nationals competitors, the Panthers are well-equipped to surpass their placing from 2017.

Nadler enters 2018 on an incredible streak of three straight top 30 NCAA finishes, and as the fourth-best returner in Division III this season, she’ll expect to challenge for the title in this her senior year. Nadler has improved her placing at nationals each of the last two years, from 28th as a freshman to 15th as a sophomore then 7th last year as a junior. Coach Nicole Wilkerson has a rock solid low stick in Nadler.

The four remaining spots in the top five will be comprised entirely of seniors, making this roster one of the most experienced in the country. The five upperclassmen have a combined eight NCAA XC appearances between them, and only one member of the bunch— Claire Gomba— has yet to run at nationals. Rory Kelly, Kate MacCary, and Alexis Jakubowski will all need to have career days in order for Middlebury to challenge for a trophy, but in their last crack at the Big Dance, a career day is exactly what will be expected.

FULL RANKINGS HERE