When members of the Cal State Stanislaus women’s cross country team hit the track this fall, one familiar face won’t be among them.

Rubye Elhard, the team’s sole representative at the Division II National Championships and the first since 2003, won’t be returning to Cal State Stanislaus this year. The recently married native of Seward, Alaska will be returning to her home state to be with her husband.

Despite losing Elhard, Coach Diljeet Taylor expects good things from her team.

“The entire team has returned in tip top shape,” said Taylor. “The women’s team will be one to watch out for.”

In Elhard’s absence, the team will look to her twin sister, Denali Foldager, for guidance. Foldager was the Warriors’ top finisher at the 2009 NCAA Division II West Regional Championships, and along with Elhard, served as the face of the team for the past two years.

Foldager – and the rest of the team – will be joined by new recruits, including American River College transfer Courtney Anderson, who Taylor pegs as, “a key addition to the women's team.”

With the addition of Anderson, the Warriors will look to best their third place conference finish from a year ago, and their ninth place team finish at the West Regional Championships. A bump to sixth at those championships would send the entire team to nationals.

The goal may seem lofty, but it’s achievable with this year’s team, Taylor said.

“This team is a much stronger, much more experienced team than last year’s team,” Taylor said. “I predict we will be finishing near the top.”

To contact Alex Cantatore, e-mail acantatore@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2005.