Colorado, North Carolina State Separate From Pack

Published by Adam Schneider/DyeStatCOLLEGE.com Editor on November 2nd, 2016

Before the weekend it was clear that the Pac-12 could potentially take all four trophy spots at the NCAA championships. After the weekend, and the continued improvement of North Carolina State (now both Frazier sisters are running), the Pac-12 may take four of the first five spots at the NCAA championships. What was clear is that it will be very hard to beat Colorado this year. The Buffaloes did have an advantage in the slight altitude and 81-degree weather at Pac-12s.  

Aside from junior Amy-Eloise Neale and sophomore Charlotte Prouse, Washington did not run well. The 1 to 5 gap was 1:04 but at Wisconsin the 1 to 7 gap was 54 seconds.

1. Colorado - As expected the Buffaloes won their second consecutive Pac-12 title. Senior Erin Clark was runner-up to lead the Buffaloes ahead of sophomore Dani Jones (3rd) and junior Kaitlyn Benner (4th). Junior Makena Morley (9th), freshman Sage Hurta (15th), junior Mackenzie Caldwell (16th)  and senior Melanie Nun (17th) fill out a solid top 7. Colorado (33) dominated top 7 teams Washington (74), Stanford (83) and Oregon (88). Clark (11th at the 2015 NCAA championships) has been the #1 runner all year for Colorado. She led the Buffaloes to a win at Pre-Nationals (93 to 154 win over Oregon) and won the Rocky Mountain Shootout. Benner (16th at the 2015 NCAA championships) was #2 until Pac-12. She was 12th at Pre-Nationals and 2nd at Rocky Mountain Shootout. Jones (49th at 2015 NCAA championships) had the best finish of her career at Pac-12s. She was #3 and 17th at Pre-Nationals and fourth at Rocky Mountain Shootout. Transfer sophomore Makena Morley (97th at the 2015 NCAA championships for Montana) was 26th at Pre-Nationals and third at Rocky Mountain Shootout. Freshman Sage Hurta has been the #5 runner all season. She was 36th at Pre-Nationals and won the Roadrunner invitational. Caldwell, Nun, freshman Tabor Scholl (26th at Pac-12s), and sophomore Taylor Tuttle (38th at Pac-12s) could all contribute in the next two big meets. Next for Colorado is the D1 Mountain Regional on November 11th.

2. North Carolina State - Wesley Frazier opened her season by helping to lead the Wolfpack to the ACC conference title (53 to 74 over Notre Dame). Sophomore Rachel Koon was fourth and junior Wesley Frazier was 10th. Junior Alyssa Rudaswky, freshman Ely Henes, and sophomore Ryen Frazier were 12th, 13th, and 14th as the #3 to #5 runners. Senior Erica Kemp (57th at the 2015 NCAA championships) had led the team all year long but finished well back in 26th as the #7 runner. Kemp (7th) led the team at the Nuttycombe to a second place finish behind #3 Washington. Kemp was 8th at Notre Dame Invitational (5000m) to lead the team to a second place finish behind #5 Providence. With the exception of being the top runner at the ACC championships Koon (59th at the 2015 NCAA championships) has been the #2 runner for the Wolfpack all year long. She was 18th in Wisconsin, 27th at Notre Dame and 5th at Adidas XC Challenge. Rudawsky (163rd at the 2015 NCAA championships) has been the Wolfpack #3 all year. She finished 24th at Nuttycombe Wisconsin Invitational and Notre Dame Joe Piane Invitational. Wesley Frazier could jumble this group after running well in her debut at the ACC championships. Ryan Frazier (108th at 2015 NCAA championships) is improving and was #5 at the ACC championships.  #4 was freshman Elly Henes and she was #5 at Wisconsin (71st) and Notre Dame (44th). Senior Megan Moye has been all over after running as #6 at ACC (25th), #4 at Wisconsin (46th), #3 at Notre Dame (31st) and Adidas XC Challenge (7th). Freshman Bethlehem Taye and junior Bianca Bishop could also join the team in the next two meets. If Kemp were to run the way she has run all year this team is clearly the second best and potentially best team in the country especially if the Frazier sisters continue to improve after late starts to their seasons. Next for North Carolina State is the D1 Southeast Regional on November 11th.

3. Washington - Junior Amy-Eloise Neale seems to be all the way back after winning her first Pac-12 title. The Huskies were well back in second at the Pac-12 meet (33 to 74 behind Colorado) but it is clear that they were affected by the conditions. Neale has been #1 for the Huskies the last two races. She was fourth at Wisconsin Invitational to lead the team to victory (124 to 166 for #2 North Carolina State and 170 for Providence) , #2 on the team at the Washington Invitational as they won the team title over Oregon, 24 to 57. Sophomore Charlotte Prouse (78th at 2015 NCAA championships) was #2 at Pac-12 championships, finishing 6th. She won the Washington Invitaional and Sundodger meets. Junior Katie Knight was #3 at Pac-12 championships (19th), #7 at Wisconsin Invitational (50th), and #3 at Washington Invitational (5th). Freshman Kaitlyn Neal was #4 at Pac-12 championships (21st), #3 in Wisconsin (34th), and #4 at Washington Invitational (7th). Senior Kaylee Flanagan had an odd meet at Pac-12s (64th) as #9 for UW but in other meets she was #4 in Wisconsin (36th) and #6 at the Washington Invitational (17th). Same thing for freshman Nicole Zielinski as she was #7 at Pac-12 championships (50th), #5 at Wisconsin (45th) and Washington Invitational (8th). Junior Isobell Batt-Doyle was #5 at Pac-12 championships (28th), #8 at Wisconsin Invitational, and #9 at Washington Invitational. Junior Anna Maxwell was #6 at Pac-12 championships (30th), Wisconsin, and Washington Invitational. Sophomore Emily Hamlin was #8 for UW at the Washington Invitational but has struggled since. She could contribute at the West regional and/or NCAA championships. Next for Washington is the D1 West Regional on November 11th.

4. Stanford - With sophomore Elise Cranny (12th in 2014) in the line-up Stanford could challenge for the national title and at least they are a trophy favorite. The Cardinal are now running three of their talented freshmen now that Fiona O’Keeffe (11th) debuted at the Pac-12 championships. Stanford is protecting Cranny’s injured foot but when she was in the line-up she won the Stanford Invitational and led the team to victory over Cal Poly SLO, 37 to 46. She finished second to her teammate Vanessa Fraser at the USF invitational where the team finished second to host San Francisco, 41 to 45, without their freshmen running. Senior Vanessa Fraser (40th at 2015 NCAA championships) led the Cardinal at the Pac-12 championships (8th), she was #1 at Pre-Nationals (24th), and #2 at Stanford Invitational (4th), in addition to the other meets. Behind O’Keeffe’s debut was freshman Christina Aragon (14th). She was #3 at Wisconsin (41st) in her debut. #2 at Wisconsin (29th) was senior Danielle Katz. She was #5 at Pac-12 championships (31st) and #3 at Stanford Invitational (6th) and USF (14th). Freshman Ella Donaghu was #4 at Pac-12 championships and #4 in her debut at the Wisconsin Invitational. Sophomore Catherine Pagano and junior Abbie McNulty could help Stanford with the bigger meets. Next for Stanford is the D1 West Regional on November 11th.

5. Michigan - Senior Erin Finn has lost to one runner all year long. She won her third Big 10 title in Minnesota to lead the Wolverines to a Big 10 title over Penn State, 63 to 70. Finn won Pre-Nationals to lead the Wolverines to a 3rd place (179) finish (behind Colorado’s 93 and Oregon;’s 154). She led Michigan to victory at the Greater Louisville Classic with another individual victory on the 5000m course. Junior Gina Sereno (90th at 2015 NCAA championships) was #2 for the Wolverines at the Big Ten championships (4th), #3 at ISU Pre-Nationals (49th), #2 at the Greater Louisville Classic (5th) and Roy Griak Invitational (25th). Junior Avery Evenson was #3 at Big Ten Championships (14th), #2 at ISU Pre-Nationals (22nd), and #4 at Greater Louisville Classic (18th). Junior Jamie Phelan (100th at 2015 NCAA championships) was #4 at Big Ten championships (19th), #7 at Pre-Nationals (93rd), and #5 at Greater Louisville Classic (20th). Junior Jamie Morrissey (180tha t 2015 NCAA championships) was #5 at Big Ten Championships (25th), #4 at Pre-Nationals (51st), and #3 at Greater Louisville Classic (14th). Sophomore Claire Borchers, junior Hannah Meier, and freshman Madeline Trevisan could contribute to the next two meets. as part of the top 7. Next for Michigan is the D1 Great Lakes Regional on November 11th.

6. Oregon - The Ducks finished fourth at the Pac-12 championships (88) as it was clear the conditions affected them. Freshman Katie Rainsberger (1st at 2015 NXN) was the leader of the Ducks as she has been all season. She was 5th at Pac-12 championships, 6th at Pre-Nationals to lead the Ducks to a runner-up finish (behind Colorado, 93 to 154), and 2nd at the Washington Invitational (behind Washington 24 to 57). Junior Allie Cash (31st at 2015 NCAA championships) has been hurt early on this season and had her best race at the Pac-12 championships (13th) as the #2 Duck and #4 at Pre-Nationals (48th). Senior Samantha Nadel (37th at the 2014 NCAA championships) was #3 at Pac-12 (22nd), #2 at Pre-Nationals (13th),and #6 at Washington Invitational (18th). Junior Emma Abrahamson was #4 for the Ducks at the Pac-12 championships (23rd), #6 at Pre-Nationals (67th), and #4 at Washington Invitational (14th). Senior Maggie Schmaedick was Oregon’s #5 at the Pac-12 championships (25th), Pre-Nationals (53rd), and Washington Invitational (16th). Sophomore Jessica Hull was #6 at Pac-12 (27th), #3 at Pre-Nationals (34th), and #2 at Washington Invitational (12th). Senior Ashley Maton and junior Frida Berge may contribute in the next two meets. Next for Oregon is the D1 West Regional on November 11th.

 7. Providence - The Friars held off Villanova 36 to 49 to win the Big East championships. Junior Brianna Ilarda (3rd) and senior Sarah Collins (4th) led the charge. Collins has led Providence all season until the Big East Championships. She (20th at 2015 NCAA championships) was 16th to lead the Friars to a third place (170) finish at the Wisconsin Invitational, and 9th at the Notre Dame Invitational to lead the team (117) to a win over North Carolina State (149), Eastern Michigan (159) and New Mexico (166). Ilarda (114th at 2015 NCAA championships) led the Friars at the Big East championships, she was #3 in Wisconsin (37th) and Notre Dame (26th). Junior Katie Lembo (101st at 2015 NCAA championships) did not run at ACC championships but was #2 in Wisconsin (27th) and #5 at Notre Dame (30th). Junior Millie Paladino was #3 at Big East (6th) championships, #4 in Wisconsin (38th) and #2 at Notre Dame (24th). Freshman Abbie Wheeler was Providence’s #4 at Big East championships (8th), #5 in Wisconsin (52nd), and #4 at Notre Dame (28th). Senior Lauren Mullins (15th at Big East) has not run as well as last year (62nd at 2015 NCAA championships) and junior McKenzie Barry (16th at Big East) could improve and contribute in the final two meets of the year. Senior Catarina Rocha (39th) has not raced yet but could join the group. Next for Providence is the D1 Northeast Regional on November 11th.

8. New Mexico - Injuries to seniors Rhona Auckland (13th at 2015 NCAA championships) and Elizabeth Weiler (38th in 2014) and the transfer of Heleene Tambet (74th) have derailed the Lobo’s chance to win a team title this year. Seniors Alice Wright and Calli Thackery went 1-2 at the Mountain West championships to lead the Lobos to victory. The #1 to #5 gap was 1:13 and without development behind Wright and Thackery it is unlikely the team will trophy. Wright (5th) and Thackery (15th) will compete for top spots at the NCAA meet. The Lobos were fourth at the Nuttycombe Wisconsin Invitational (207) led by Wright (2nd) and Thackery (9th). They were fourth at Notre Dame Invitational behind Providence, North Carolina State and Eastern Michigan. Wright (2nd) and Thackery (5th) ran well again. Next for New Mexico is the D1 Mountain Regional on November 11th.

9. Portland - The Pilots (42) scraped by San Francisco (44) and BYU (47) to win the WCC title. Junior Lauren LaRocco won the title and has led Portland in every race this year. She wa 9th at Pre-Nationals to lead Portland to 4th. Larocco was third, senior Anne Lutjen was fifth and junior Parkes Kendrick was 6th at Roy Griak to lead Portland to the title. Next for Portland is the D1 West Regional on November 11th.

10. Arkansas - They returned five of their top seven from the 9th place 2015 NCAA championships team. Top returnee sophomore Devin Clark (48th) led them to another SEC title with her 2nd place finish. She was followed by freshman Abby Gray (9th), and senior Valerie Reina (10th). Arkansas was fifth at Pre-Nationals led by Clark’s 7th place finish. Next for Arkansas is the D1 South Central Regional on November 11th.

11. Penn State - The Nittany Lions finished second at the Big Ten Championships behind Michigan, 63 to 70. They were led by sophomore Tessa Barrett (3rd) and junior Jillian Hunsberger (7th). they won the Penn State National Open ahead of Mississippi (47 to 94) as Barrett led a 1-2-3 sweep (with Elizabeth Chikotas and Hunsberger). At the Roy Griak Invitational they finished third (147 to 74 for Portland) led by Hunsberger in 9th, Barrett in 12th and Chikotas in 13th. Next for Penn State is the D1 Mid-Atlantic Regional on November 11th.

12. Iowa State - The Cyclones defeated Oklahoma State 56 to 82 to win the Big 12 title. Sophomore Annie Frisbie (4th) and seniors Perez Rotich (8th) and Bethanie Brown (9th) led Iowa State. Junior Erin Hooker (14th) led them to finish 8th at the Wisconsin Invitational as the top three at Big 12 did not have good races. If the Cyclones can put it together in the same race they can finish in the top ten. Next for Iowa State is the D1 Midwest Regional on November 11th.

13. San Francisco - With the incoming transfer of Heleene Tambet, the Dons have eight returnees from the 2015 NCAA championships team that finished 28th. The Dons finished second at the WCC championships without their leader, senior Charlotte Taylor (118th at 2015 NCAA champonships). San Francisco was 6th at the Wisconsin Invitational led by seniors Charlotte Taylor (10th) and Marie Bouchard (30th). They were sixth at the Roy Griak Invitational with Taylor leading them (9th). Next for San Francisco is the D1 West Regional on November 11th.

14. Eastern Michigan - The Eagles dominated the Mid-American Conference (27 to 78 for Northern Illinois). They were led by senior Jordan McDermitt and they took 4 of the first 7 spots. They finished 7th at Pre-Nationals behind 6 teams ranked in the top 10. Next for Eastern Michigan is the D1 Great Lakes Regional on November 11th.

15. BYU - The Cougars (47) barely finished third at WCC championships behind Portland (42) and San Francisco (44). Senior Yesenia Silva was runner-up and has led the Cougars in every race. BYU was tenth at Nuttycombe Wisconsin Invitational, led by Silva’s 26th place finish. BYU won Virginia Panorama Farms led by Silva (4th) and sophomore Erica Birk (5th). BYU was 24th at the NCAA championships last year. Next for BYU is the D1 Mountain Regional on November 11th.

16. Mississippi - The Rebels seem to be gaining confidence as the season progresses. They finished second to Arkansas, 46 to 76, at the SEC championships. Seniors Mary Alex England (7th) and Bo Ummels (8th) led the Rebels. They were second to Penn State (47 to 94) at the Penn State National Open. Seniors Mary Alex England (5th) and Bo Ummels (15th) and junior Emily Bean (16th) led Mississippi. At the Notre Dame Invitational Mississippi finished 7th. Next for Mississippi is the D1 South Regional on November 11th

17. Baylor - The Bears finished a surprisingly poor fifth at Big 12 championships. They were led by freshman Lindsey Bradley (5th) and senior Maggie Montoya (6th) but three of their runners dnf’d. They were fifth at Nuttycombe Wisconsin Invitational with Montoya (11th) and Bradley (15th) leading the team. At Notre Dame Joe Piane Invitational they finished fifth behind four teams currently ranked in the top 13. Next for Baylor is the D1 South Central Regional on November 11th.

18. Notre Dame - Sophomore Anna Rohrer (6th at 2015 NCAA championships) won her second race of the season with a great time (19:26) at the ACC championships. The Irish finished second (74 to 53 for NC State) at the ACC championships with a great performance by sophomore Annie Heffernan (6th) and senior Danielle Aragon (9th). Notre Dame finished 9th at the Wisconsin Invitational led by Rohrer’s 3rd place finish. Rohrer won the Notre Dame Joe Piane Invitational to lead the Irish to 8th place. Rohrer (6th), Heffernan (138th) and junior Rachel Dadamio (96th) provide valuable experience for Notre Dame as they move into the regionals and potentially NCAA championship meet. Next for Notre Dame is the D1 Great Lakes Regional on November 11th.

19. Harvard - Harvard dominated the Ivy League Heptagonal championships (33 to 69 for Yale). Junior Courtney Smith won the conference title with freshmen Erin Dietz (5th) and Judy Pendergast (6th) leading to 3 in the top 6. Smith was 6th to lead Harvard at the Wisconsin Invitational (15th). Their freshmen did not run as well as they did at Heptagonals. They were third at the Washington Invitational behind Oregon and Washington. Next for Harvard is the D1 Northeast Regional on November 11th.

20. Utah - The Utes finished fifth at the Pac-12 championships led by junior Grayson Murphy in 12th. . Utah finished 7th at the Wisconsin Invitational led by Murphy (20th) again. Utah was 26th at 2015 NCAA championships. Next for Utah is the D1 Mountain Regional on November 11th.

Watch List

Oklahoma State, Yale, Cal, Villanova, Michigan State, West Virginia, Georgetown, Cal Poly-SLO