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. 12 women's spot goes to Providence, and here's why:

Probable Top Five:

SR Catarina Rocha (9:18 3K; 16:03 5K; 33:40 10K; 39th at '15 NCAA XC; 33rd at '14 NCAA XC)
SR Millie Paladino (4:12 1500; 16:23 5K; 7th in '17 NCAA Mile; 55th at '16 NCAA XC)
SR Bri Llarda (4:43 Mile; 9:20 3K; 15:46 5K; 9:56 3K SC; 8th at '17 NCAA 3K SC; 68th at '16 NCAA XC)
SR Katie Lembo (9:21 3K; 16:11 5K; 34:36 10K; 138th at '16 NCAA XC)
SO Abbey Wheeler (9:33 3K; 16:10 5K; 148th at '16 NCAA XC)

Impact Freshmen/Transfers:

Hannah Bennison via Canada (4:29 1500; 9:33 3K; 24th at '17 World Jr. XC)
Maria Coffin via Annapolis, MD (4:56 1600; 10:36 3200; 10th at '16 FL XC)

Analysis:

The Providence women's team has an exciting opportunity this year. With the return of two-time cross country All-American Catarina Rocha, and five women who have run between 15:46 and 16:23 for 5K, the Friars could potentially crack the top 10 at the NCAA outdoor championships.

Rocha didn't run last fall, but despite missing a key contributor the team still placed 13th in Terre Haute. In 2014 and 2015, Rocha earned All-American finishes with a 33rd-place finish in 2014 and a 39th-place finish in 2015.

Millie Paladino is on the rise after running a 4:12 personal best in the 1500m and placing seventh in the mile at the NCAA indoor championships. And Bri Llarda should be ready for another breakthrough after running a 5K personal best of 15:46 and placing eighth in the steeplechase at the NCAA outdoor championships. Along with a solid top three, Katie Lembo and Abbey Wheeler should continue the role of key contributors.

Two high-potential freshmen have the ability to contribute to the top five scoring order. Maria Coffin arrives with a 10th-place Foot Locker finish under her belt, and Hannah Bennison placed 24th at the IAAF World Junior Cross Country Championships.

Between the incredibly deep group of veteran returners and a strong incoming class, Providence should easily improve on their 2016 NCAA finish.

FULL WOMEN'S RANKINGS HERE