Follow our 2019 FloXC Countdown, where FloTrack ranks the top 10 cross country teams in NCAA DII/DIII this season. The 2019 NCAA Cross Country Championships will be LIVE on FloTrack for all three divisions. And be sure to watch our LIVE FloXC Podium Reveal Show Monday, Aug. 26, at 10 AM CT. The No. 10 DIII women’s spot goes to Brandeis, and here's why:

Projected Top Five:

SR Danielle Bertaux (17:44 5K; 67th at ‘18 NCAA XC)

JR Niamh Kenney (81st at ‘18 NCAA XC)

SO Jac Guerra (5:03 Mile; 164th at ‘18 NCAA XC)

SO Erin Magill (18:25 5K)

JR Andrea Bolduc (4:45 1500)

Impact Freshmen/Transfers:

N/A

Analysis: 

The graduation of four-time NCAA XC All-American Emily Bryson leaves a void that will be difficult to replace, but the Brandeis women will have top 10 aspirations once again in 2019 as the Judges return three of their top five.

In Bryson, Brandeis had a reliable low stick that this year’s team will hope to develop. Senior Danielle Bertaux is the most obvious candidate to hold that position after improving dramatically in 2018. Bertaux went from 225th at the New England regional in 2017 to 67th in the nation last year, and another jump should have her in All-American contention this fall. Behind the senior, the Judges have two women who scored for the sixth-place squad at NCAAs last November.

Depth does not appear to be a strong suit for Brandeis this year, as coach Sinead Delahunty Evans will also have to replace Bryson’s twin sister, Julia, in the top five. But the experience up top and expected growth of the backend scorers should propel the Judges to national contention once more.

FULL RANKINGS HERE