Follow our 2017 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. 16 women's spot goes to Utah, and here's why:

Probable Top Five:

SR Grayson Murphy (9:53 SC; 15:53 5K; 53rd at '16 NCAA XC)
SR Hannah McInturff (4:29 1500; 9:24 3K; 16:38 5K; 60th at '16 NCAA XC)
SO Poppy Tank (4:31 1500; 9:39 3K; 16:37 5K; 110th at '16 NCAA XC)
SO Amanda Gehrich (2:11 800; 4:22 1500m; 151st at '16 NCAA XC)
FR Aubrey Argyle (4:57 1600; 10:30 3200m)

Impact Freshmen/Transfers:

Aubrey Argyle via Kaysville, UT (4:57 1600; 10:30 3200)
Bella Williams via England (4:35 1500; 9:44 3K)
Louise Mercer via Scotland (9:50 3K; 17:09 5K)

Analysis:

For the past two consecutive years, the Utah women have made school history as the first squad to qualify for the NCAA cross country championships. This year the trend is set to continue with the help of a more experienced top group and three impactful newcomers.

Grayson Murphy, the team's No. 1 runner last fall, is ready to continue the leader role after a breakthrough spring track season. At the 2017 NCAA Outdoor Championships, Murphy finished fifth in the steeplechase and set a personal best of 9:53 in the preliminary round. She also claimed a 15th-place finish in the 5K at the indoor championships. Close to Murphy should be rising sophomore Amanda Gehrich, who executed an impressive spring. In her first track season for the Utes, she qualified for NCAA west, placed fifth in the Pac-12 1500m final, and ran personal bests of 4:22 in the 1500m and 2:11 in the 800m. Along with Murphy and Gehrich, fellow teammate Poppy Tank should also contribute once again to the team's top five scoring order.

The Utes also receive three newcomers who could help keep the NCAA qualifying streak alive. Aubrey Argyle of Davis High School comes in after blasting a 10:30 personal best in the 3200m at the 2015 Arcadia Invitational. British standout Bella Williams comes to Utah with 9:44 speed in the 3K, and Scottish distance runner Louise Mercer should contribute to the group with a 17:09 best in the 5K.

With improvement from veterans and several talented additions, the Utes are aiming to exceed their 20th-place finish at the Big Dance.

FULL WOMEN'S RANKINGS HERE