Follow our 2018 FloXC Countdown, where FloTrack ranks the top 25 cross country teams and individuals in the NCAA this season which will be LIVE on FloTrack. The No. 4 women's spot goes to Stanford, and here's why:

Probable Top Seven:

JR Fiona O’Keeffe (9:04 3K; 15:34 5K; 33:36 10K; 13th at ’17 NCAA XC)

SR Courtney Smith (15:46 5K; 32:08 10K; 35th at ’16 NCAA XC)

JR Christina Aragon (4:08 1500; 9:01 3K; 67th at ’17 NCAA XC)

SR Elise Cranny (4:31 Mile; 8:58 3K; 15:49 5K; 57th at ’17 NCAA XC)

JR Ella Donaghu (4:14 1500; 69th at ’17 NCAA XC)

FR Rebecca Story (4:43 Mile; 9:59 3200; 34th at ’17 FL XC)

SO Hannah DeBalsi (9:55 2 Mile; 16:32 5K)

Impact Freshmen/Transfers:

Rebecca Story via Knoxville, TN (4:43 Mile; 9:59 3200; 34th at ’17 FL XC)

Analysis:

The Stanford women return the core of the squad that earned a fourth-place podium finish last year in Louisville, including four of the top five. That finish was the Cardinal’s best since 2012.

This fall marks Elise Cranny’s final season of NCAA eligibility. The high school superstar and 11-time All-American has gone through her share of injuries, especially during the cross country season, but she did place 12th at this meet as a true freshman back in 2014. Another top 15 finish is not out of the question.

Two-time XC All-American Fiona O’Keeffe was the team’s No. 1 runner in Louisville with a 13th-place performance and improved her 5K best to 15:34 this year. She’s been solid throughout her college career so far, and as good a lock as any to lead the team this fall. 

Harvard transfer Courtney Smith and junior Christina Aragon both earned All-American nods in 2016 and could certainly do the same in 2018. Smith has not yet raced for Stanford despite transferring last fall. Rebecca Story is the No. 8 ranked recruit in the Class of 2018 thanks to her 4:43 mile/9:59 3200m/two-time Foot Locker finalist credentials and is capable of contributing to this team right away over 6K.

FULL RANKINGS HERE