BETHEL, Ohio. – The Jacksonville women's rowing team wrapped up its first day of racing at the NCAA Championships on Friday.
While there were very few clouds in the sky, a near 10 mph headwind with 16 mph gusts of wind slowed down times slightly.
"Really proud of our effort in less than ideal conditions," said head coach Mike Lane. "Across the board we did some good stuff however we also have another gear to go. All three of our boats have proven we deserve to be here and can't wait to see what we will accomplish!"
Jacksonville's Varsity Eight set the tone in the time-trial portion of the weekend with a fifth place finish in its first heat. Going against boats from Princeton, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Rutgers and Boston, the task was tall for JU's premier boat. As the race wore on though, the Dolphins separated from Boston and finished with a 7:24.773 time, five seconds ahead of BU.
JU's Second Varsity Eight raced against the reigning national champions in Stanford in its heat, as well as a plethora of 'blueblood' programs like Virginia and Princton. The Dolphins ultimately finished in sixth with a 7:51.360 time.
The Dolphins Varsity Four competed against boats from Princeton, California, Michigan, Indiana and Northeastern. Racing against some of the fastest teams in the country, JU finished in sixth in their respective heat.
"Gone are the days that JU rowing us an hour behind the next crew," further added coach Lane."We are truly the little engine that could and are excited to ruin teams day!"
All three boats will compete again tomorrow in their respective heats. JU's 1v8 will compete at 8:24 tomorrow morning in the '4' semi-final. The 2v8 begins at 9 am in the 3 final, and the V4 races at 9:36.
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