April 16, 2006
REDWOOD SHORES, Calif. - Racing against some of the top crews in the nation, the UCF women's rowing team had a strong showing on Friday and Saturday at the Stanford Invitational. The Golden Knights went head-to-head in races against Washington State, UCLA and host Stanford.
UCF's varsity eight boat raced well against top-notch competition. On Saturday, versus UCLA, the Golden Knights finished just one second behind the Bruins at 7:26.0.
The team opened the event on Friday against Washington State, the top-ranked team in the West Region. The Cougars' varsity eight boat is currently ranked sixth in the USRowing/Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association poll. Washington State finished at 7:11.0, while the Golden Knights clocked in just 1.5 seconds behind at 7:12.5.
"This was a great experience for the team," said UCF head coach Leeanne Crain. "Going head-to-head in a dual racing format against three of the top Pac-10 teams gave us a taste of what to expect at the South/Central Regional that is less than a month away. I think our performance this weekend proves that our varsity eight can be competitive with the top-20 boats in the nation."
All three of UCF's varsity eight margins were smaller than Tennessee's margins. The Lady Volunteers, ranked second in the South Region, also competed in the event, but did not face the Golden Knights.
UCF recorded a varsity four victory against UCLA. The Golden Knights posted a time of 8:49.8, just ahead of UCLA (8:50.3). UCF's novice eight boat also recorded a win over the Bruins.
The Golden Knights will return to action on May 6, participating in the Windermere Cup in Seattle.
Friday's results:
Varsity Eight:
1. Washington State 7:11.0
2. UCF 7:12.5
2nd Varsity Eight:
1. Washington State 7:32.1
2. UCF 7:57.7
Varsity Four:
1. Washington State 8:20.3
2. UCF 8:32.0
Novice Eight:
N/A
Saturday's results:
Session I -
Varsity Eight:
1. Stanford 6:50.9
2. UCF 6:53.0
2nd Varsity Eight:
1. Stanford 7:11.1
2. UCF 7:28.5
Varsity Four:
1. Stanford 7:51.9
2. UCF 8:04.2
Novice Eight:
N/A
Session II -
Varsity Eight:
1. UCLA 7:25.0
2. UCF 7:26.0
2nd Varsity Eight:
1. UCLA 7:34.1
2. UCF 7:55.8
Varsity Four:
1. UCF 8:49.8
2. UCLA 8:50.3
Novice Eight:
N/A