Clear-Cut Favorite To Win NCAA DIII Women’s ITF National Title

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NEW ORLEANS — There is a clear-cut favorite to win the women’s team title in NCAA Division III Women’s Indoor Track & Field and it’s Washington (Mo.).

That much was made apparent in the most recent National Team Computer Rankings that were released Monday by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA).

The Bears not only have a 61.54-point advantage over No. 2 Ithaca, they also have the most entries to the NCAA meet among all women’s teams with 11. Washington (Mo.) had never been ranked higher than 5th in the Pre-Championship Rankings previously.

You won’t see any Bears in the throws or combined events, but there will be plenty in the sprints/hurdles (6) and relays (2) to go along with one each in the mid-distance, distance and relay events. Washington (Mo.) has athletes ranked in the top-5 nationally across the board on the track from the 60 to 5000.

Ithaca poses the biggest threat to derailing the Bears’ party as it brings seven entries to NCAAs, of which four rank in the top-4 nationally. The Bombers are led by NCAA DIII indoor record holder Katherine Pitman in the pole vault and distance double threat Taryn Cordani (2nd at 5000, 6th at 3000).

Settling in behind Washington (Mo.) and Ithaca is Williams. The Ephs punched 9 tickets to NCAAs with a staggering six coming in the jump events. Williams has two top-ranked women in the high jump in Emma Egan (1st) and Helene Hall (4th) as well as two in the top-5 of the triple jump (Candice Dyce and Chloe Rogers).

No. 4 MIT could also make some noise in Naperville, Illinois this weekend as it has 7 entries. The Engineers should get another incredible effort by Maryann Gong – who is entered in the mile (2nd), 3000 (5th) and DMR – as well as from Bailey Tregoning (800, DMR).

No. 5 SUNY Geneseo rounds out the top-5 in Week 7 and has 7 entries to NCAAs. The Knights don’t have any entries in the mid-distance, throws or combined events, but will feature athletes in all others, including three in the jumps.

Bridgewater (Va.) jumped seven spots from No. 15 to No. 8 thanks to the projected efforts of Amber Celen. The junior is expected to compete three times this weekend and is ranked No. 1 in the 60 and 200 and No. 3 in the long jump.

Four teams vaulted double-digit spots from Week 6 to Week 7 – Chicago (No. 23 to No. 12), Oberlin (No. 27 to No. 16), Wartburg (No. 31 to No. 18) and Gwynedd-Mercy (No. 40 to No. 19). This is the best ranking in program history for the Griffins (19th).

What will happen this weekend in Naperville, Illinois? Keep it locked on USTFCCCA.org as we bring you preview of the 2017 NCAA Division III Indoor Track & Field Championships, which will be held March 10-11.