I've got a lot to learn about D2 women's cross. I know who won (Adams State) and nearly won (Grand Valley State) in Evansville. Despite graduating many seniors, both should be factors in Louisville. (Adams State always exceeds expectations at nationals.) Missouri Southern graduated three of their top four, but return third-placer Ashley Siler. Seattle Pacific loses nearly everybody, including D1 transfer Jessica Pixler. Depending on where Tanya Zeferjahn is at in her eligibility, Queens should be a factor, too, right? Of course, Evansville was a disaster for the Royals. But what about Truman State, led by Dani Dell'Orco? Or Western Washington, led by Sarah Porter?
It's an unsettled picture that might not be clear until the dust (or mud) settles in November.
Next: Put the first weekend of October on your calendar.
Individually, watch out for Sarah Porter and Neely Spence. Tanya Zeferjahn exhausted her cross country eligibility at Cal. St. San Bernardino a few years ago. Alaska Anchorage should also be included as a favorite for the team title.
ReplyDeleteI think GVSU women have to be the favorites on paper. I Believe they have 5 women who have run 17:00 or better coming back. They should have won it last year but had an implosion of one of their best. That was without Monica Kinney who ran sub 16:40 for 5k this spring.
ReplyDeleteAdams has some ringers returning and will always contend, But i think this is the Lakers' year.
You really don't know women's cross. Queens unranked women's team had never qualified for NCAAs so finishing at the bottom was expected, not a disaster. I bet they'll be better soon.
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