Follow our 2017 FloXC Countdown, where we rank the pre-season top 25 cross country teams and individuals heading into the NCAA season which will be LIVE on FloTrack. The No. 23 women's spot goes to Portland, and here's why:

Probable Top Five:

SR Lauren LaRocco (9:12 3K; 15:38 5K; 32:47 10K; 29th at '16 NCAA XC)
JR Taryn Rawlings (9:22 3K; 16:08 5K; 25th at '16 NCAA West XC)
FR Jasmijn Lau (4:28 1500; 16:25 5K)
SR Mathilde Sagnes (16:48 5K; 34:42 10K; 63rd at '16 NCAA West XC)
JR Courtney Cox (4:39 1500; 17:15 5K; 236th at '16 NCAA XC)

Impact Freshmen/Transfers:

Jasmijn Lau via Netherlands (4:28 1500; 16:25 5K)
Becca Howard via England (9:50 3K; 17:16 5K)
Sofia Castiglioni via Davis, CA (4:59 Mile; 10:36 3200; 38th at '16 NXN)

Analysis:

The Portland Pilots finished 22nd last year and look to be a similar team this season despite losing four from their top seven to graduation. The Pilots are led by senior Lauren LaRocco who was an All-American last year but opted to redshirt her 2017 outdoor campaign, resulting in finishing 13th at the USATF outdoor 10K championships and seventh at the USATF road 10K championships. LaRocco should be a strong contender for a top-20 individual finish this season.

Rounding out the top five for the Pilots will be veterans Taryn Rawlings, Mathilde Sagnes, and Courtney Cox, as well as incoming freshman Jasmijn Lau from the Netherlands. Lau has run 16:25 for the 5K in high school and should make an immediate impact for the Pilots as a true freshman.

Other potential impact athletes are Aoibhe Richardson (16:51 5K PB), Becca Howard (17:16 5K PB), and Sofia Castiglioni (10:36 3200 PB)

FULL WOMEN'S RANKINGS HERE