1. (-) Washington

 

Weekend Performance- Washington picked up right where they left off in 2008. The Huskies dominated the Notre Dame Invitational this weekend by taking spots 1-4 overall while finishing with an impressive 33 points.

 

Analysis- Expect Washington to stay ranked #1 throughout the season unless there is a major shake up at Pre-Nationals or West Regionals. Washington is clearly the team to beat in the NCAA right now.

 

2. (5) Villanova

 

Weekend Performance- There was no indication of jet lag for the women of Villanova as they dominated the field out west at Dellinger on Friday. The Wildcats had all five scorers in the top ten. Nova’s dominance was evident in the fact that even their 6^th runner who was 20^th could’ve replaced their 5^th and still won.

 

Analysis- If Villanova continues to run this well they are going to be a force to reckon with at Nationals. The Wildcat’s will be hungry for a podium spot in ’09.

 

3. (4) West Virginia

 

Weekend Performance- The Mountaineers easily won the Paul Short Invitational on Saturday.

 

Analysis- West Virginia moved up in the rankings due to the fact that Oregon dropped down, otherwise they would most likely stay at #3 due to a lack of ranked teams at Paul Short.

 

4. (2) Oregon

 

Weekend Performance- Oregon struggled this weekend at their home Invite placing second behind Villanova. It wasn’t a terrible day for the Ducks who scored 41 points, but Villanova put five runners in the top ten. Nicole Blood had a rare off day finishing 15^th, but freshman Jordan Hasay looked good in her college debut placing 6^th.

 

Analysis- Oregon shouldn’t be too worried this early in the season. I’m sure they will still finish in the top 3 at NCAA’s, and this defeat may just give them some more motivation.

 

5. (6) Princeton

 

Weekend Performance- Princeton also had an impressive showing at the Notre Dame Invitational.  The Tigers placed 2^nd overall and joined Washington as the only other team to score under 100 points (68). Junior Liz Costello led the team with a 5^th place finish.

 

Analysis- The Mid-Atlantic region looks tough this year on the women’s side with 3 teams ranked in the top 5 nationally. Princeton looks like they are ready to battle for the #1 spot in that region with West Virginia and Villanova.

 

6. (7) Stanford

 

         Weekend Performance- Did not race.

 

            Analysis- Stanford’s next meet will be Pre-Nationals on the 17^th.

 

7. (8) Iowa State

 

         Weekend Performance- Did not race.

 

            Analysis- Iowa State’s next meet will be Pre-Nationals on the 17^th.

 

8. (9) Minnesota

 

         Weekend Performance- Did not race

 

            Analysis- Minnesota will race next at Pre-Nationals on the 17^th.

 

9. (15) Florida

 

Weekend Performance- The Gators made a huge jump in the rankings by finishing 3^rd at Notre Dame. Juniors Stacey Johnson and Charlotte Browning led the charge by finishing 6^th and 9^th.

 

Analysis- It looks like Florida is the top team in the South as of this week due to Florida State’s disappointing 7^th place finish.

 

10. (19) Virginia

 

Weekend Performance- Virginia moved up nine spots after a thrilling one point victory over (11) Georgetown at The George Mason invitational on Saturday.

 

            Analysis- UVA and Duke look like the class of the Southeast region this year.