ISU women’s cross-country coach Andrea Grove-McDonough’s 2014 squad knew not only how to finish a race strong, but also how to finish a season strong.

The Cyclones stuck to a conservative strategy throughout the majority of races, but saved a little energy at the end to move up the field.

In the end, the strategy resulted in a runner-up performance at the NCAA Cross-Country Championships in Terre Haute, Ind., last November.  

They’ve proven they can finish strong, but it’s how they respond to a successful season that matters most heading into the 2015 season.

The 2014 squad had depth. It was anchored by then-junior Crystal Nelson, who quickly ascended to one of the nation’s top women’s collegiate cross-country runners. 

Nelson finished first overall at the Big 12 Championship, fifth at NCAA Midwest Regional and seventh at the NCAA Championship. 

The Cyclones will miss Katy Moen, who was a redshirt senior last season, and Margaret Connelly, who finished her last year with the team in 2014 as a graduate student. 

Moen placed second overall at the Big 12 Championship, fourth at the NCAA Midwest Regional and eighth at the NCAA Championship, while Connelly finished fourth overall at the Big 12 Championship and was Iowa State’s fifth runner to finish at the NCAA Championship. 

The Cyclones enter the 2015 season with a balance of youth and experience as eight freshmen and 10 upperclassmen help fill out the roster. 

Iowa State opens its season at the Hawkeye Early Bird Invitational on Sept. 4 in Iowa City. 

2015 schedule 

Friday, Sept. 4 – Hawkeye Early Bird Invitational in Iowa City

Friday, Sept. 11 – Oz Memorial (women only) in Minneapolis, Minn.

Saturday, Sept. 26 – Roy Griak Invitational in Minneapolis, Minn.

Saturday, Oct. 3 – Greater Louisville Classic (women only) in Louisville, Ky.

Saturday, Oct. 16 – Wisconsin Adidas Invitational – Madison, Wis.

Saturday, Oct. 31 – Big 12 Championship in Stillwater, Okla.

Friday, Nov. 13 – NCAA Midwest Regional in Lawrence, Kan.

Saturday, Nov. 21 – NCAA Championship in Louisville, Ky.