May 31, 2006
ORLANDO - The UCF women's rowing team will conclude its season this weekend as the Golden Knights' lightweight varsity eight crew competes at the Intercollegiate Rowing Association (IRA) Championship on the Cooper River in Camden, N.J. Because the NCAA does not sponsor an event in the lightweight eight, the winner of the IRA Championship is considered the national champion.
UCF will race in one of two heats on Friday morning at 7 a.m. Repachages are slated for 2:36 p.m. On Saturday, the petite final is set for 2:12 p.m., followed by the grand final at 2:27 p.m.
The Golden Knights are ranked fifth nationally in the USRowing/Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association Varsity Lightweight Eight Poll. The crew is familiar with the Cooper River after competing on the course in April for the Knecht Cup. UCF finished fifth in the grand final at 7:31.3.
A year ago, the Golden Knights won the petite final to place seventh overall at the IRA Championship. In the petite final, UCF finished at 7:01.76, followed by Lehigh at 7:11.69. Wisconsin took the grand final, followed by Princeton, Radcliffe and Georgetown.
UCF will bring an experienced boat to the 2006 event. Seven crew members participated in the regatta last year. The crew features only two newcomers, senior Katie Fulton and sophomore Anne Marie Rossi.
In addition to Fulton, seniors Laura Brad and Katherine Motes will also be racing for the final time as Golden Knights.
UCF lineup:
Cox: Anne Marie Rossi
8 seat: Robin Capers
7 seat: Melissa Kroll
6 seat: Laura Bacci
5 seat: Laura Brad
4 seat: Pamela Wall
3 seat: Erin Riegel
2 seat: Katherine Motes
Bow: Katie Fulton