Pyzik, Brauer Bolster Oregon Lineup After Leaving USF

By Doug Binder, DyeStat Editor

It hasn't taken long for the Oregon women to fill the holes left by the departures of All-Americans Katie Rainsberger and Lilli Burdon, who left over the summer to follow coach Maurica Powell to the University of Washington. 

Two top-15 finishers at last year's NCAA Division 1 Cross Country Championships -- fifth-place Weronika Pyzik and 15th-place finisher Isabelle Brauer -- have joined the roster, sources have confirmed. They will continue their careers with coach Helen Lehman-Winters, who was hired by Oregon in July. 

Pyzik and Brauer were part of the USF team that last year won the NCAA West regional title and placed second at the NCAA Championships, the best results ever for the Dons. 

Pyzik and Brauer are talented international athletes. Pyzik, from Poland, placed 10th at the NCAA Championships in the 10,000 meters in June. Brauer is from Sweden. 

Oregon opens its season on Sept. 6 at the Oregon XC Preview.