Saucony Flo50 XC Countdown: #14 Wisconsin Women

Saucony Flo50 XC Countdown: #14 Wisconsin Women

Probable Top Five: JR Sarah Disanza (4:20 1500; 15:20 5K; 2nd NCAA XC '14) SR Emma-Lisa Murphy (4:25 1500; 16:27 5K, 34:00 10K; 35th NCAA XC '13) FR Shaely

Sep 3, 2015 by Gordon Mack
Saucony Flo50 XC Countdown: #14 Wisconsin Women




Probable Top Five:


JR Sarah Disanza (4:20 1500; 15:20 5K; 2nd NCAA XC '14)
SR Emma-Lisa Murphy (4:25 1500; 16:27 5K, 34:00 10K; 35th NCAA XC '13)
FR Shaelyn Sorenson (9:39 3K; 16:45 5K; 68th IAAF World Jr. XC  '15)
SR Molly Hanson (2:09 800; 4:15 1500; 74th NCAA XC '14)
SO Colette Richter (16:47 5K; 176th NCAA XC '14)

Impact Freshmen/Transfers: 


Amy Davis via Madison, WI (4:53 1600; 10:26 3200; 30th FL '14)

Analysis: 


The Wisconsin ladies will be the team to keep your eye on this 2015 cross country season. Led by NCAA runner-up Sarah Disanza, the Lady Badgers will be in a fantastic position to score some key low points. Disanza, who surprised the nation with her incredible 2nd place finish last fall in Terre Haute, went on to place 3rd in the 5k at NCAA indoors after an early season 5K PR of 15:20. Disanza redshirted this spring, and after a summer of training, shewill return to the grass with vengeance as she goes after the NCAA title. 

However, this Badger team will not be a one-lady show, as Disanza has a strong supporting cast that can do some real damage on the XC course. Senior Emma-Lisa Murphy, a 2013 XC Al-American, and redshirt freshman Shaley Sorenson will run 2-3 for the Badgers. Sorenson placed 68th this spring at the IAAF World Jr. XC meet in China and, after a redshirt season last fall, will be a great asset for the team. Senior Molly Hanson, who has great middle distance speed, can be a dark horse for this team. Running on a fast and flat Louisville course in November, Hanson will be able to move quick off a slower, tactical race. Lastly, Colette Richter, who was the Badger's #5 runner last year at NCAA's, will return with strength and maturity to round out this impressive Wisconsin squad. 

The Badgers will also host three home meets this fall, including the adidas Wisconsin Invitational and the Great Lakes Regional meet. The famous "Wisco Invite" is a gold mine for valuable Kolas points each year, and the Regional meet is the second-most important meet of the year. With the Badgers hosting these key meets, they eliminate the stresses of traveling and have the advantage of a home crowd and comfortable environment. The Wisconsin ladies have a favorable setup this 2015 season and can raise some eyebrows come November in Louisville.