There is a fairly simple formula for success in the sport of cross country, and the John Carroll women's cross country program is primed to follow that recipe.

Fast runners and strength in numbers usually bodes well in a sport where the lower the score the better the chances are to win. John Carroll head coach Dara Ford feels that the 2009 edition of the Blue Streaks has both the quality and quantity of runners to make a splash on both the conference and regional level.

"We are really excited about the upcoming season," said Ford. "The returning women have worked really hard this summer and coming into this season, I think this is best women's team John Carroll has had in years."

Leading the charge will be three runners who finished in the top 18 of the conference championship meet last season and thus earned All-OAC status. Seniors Tricia Doherty and Emily Tillmaand as well as junior Melissa Thorne are back and ready for an even better 2009.

Veterans such as seniors Lauren Baldarelli and Lauren Stayer along with juniors Michelle Grossman and Kelly Grieve add to the depth. The standouts from last year's rookie class -- Andrea Brown and Megan Lutz -- will be joined by a crop of freshmen that Ford feels will up the level of competition within the team itself.

"We have a very talented group of freshmen that we are really excited about," said Ford. "A few of them should be able to run in our top seven this season, but not without a fight from our returning girls."

JCU will begin its season at the Case Western Reserve Sudeck Invitational on September 5, and the schedule will include measuring stick events such as the National Catholic Invitational at Notre Dame and the All-Ohio Championships before the conference championship meet takes place on October 31.

"For the first time in the history of the program here at JCU, depth will be one of our strong points," said Ford. "The upperclassmen should lead us to our most competitive season yet."