The Haverford women's cross country team enters the 2011 season looking to build on a 2010 campaign that saw the team finish third at the Centennial Conference championship, fourth at the NCAA Division III mideast region championship and 25th at the NCAA Division III championship meet.

"Our goal is to improve our finishes at all three levels," said head coach Fran Rizzo.

The Fords, who are picked to finished third in the Centennial Conference coaches poll, will be a strong squad with six of their top seven runners coming back in 2011. However, no one can feel comfortable with as many as 14 runners all competing to fill the team's five scoring positions at each meet.

"It's a good thing because everyone knows they will have to run better which will make the team better," said Rizzo. "It will be a dogfight."

Emily Lipman, an All-American in 2009, is Haverford's top runner. Last season, she just missed out on all-American status with a 36th place finish at the NCAA championship meet. She recorded an 11th place at the Centennial Conference championship and a 16th at the NCAA regional event.

Alice Vienneau and Andrea Tocci made big strides last season and look to continue their improvement this season. At nationals, Vienneau came in 96th, 109 positions better than her 2009 performance, while Tocci finished 155th, 63 spots higher than the previous season. Erin Seglem is coming off of a strong freshman campaign with finishes of 21st at the Cenntenial championship and 140th at the NCAA championship.

Flora Berklein, Emily Scott and Rachel Potter will be expected to grab scoring finishes throughout the season. Berklein took part in the conference, regional and national title meets. Scott recorded scoring places for the Fords in the conference and regional events, and Potter took part in the Centennial meet.

Among the returnees looking for a spot in the top seven will be Sharon Warner, Sally Weathers and Sara Hess. After a year absence from the team, Sheera Rosenbaum is back and ready to prove herself.

"The team had a good summer and did what they were supposed to," said Rizzo. "If they can stay healthy, we can win the conference."