May 24, 2007
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ORLANDO, Fla. (www.UCFAthletics.com) - The No. 14 UCF varsity eight makes its debut at the 2007 NCAA Women's Rowing Championships, beginning on Friday, May 25 at Melton Hill Lake in Oak Ridge, Tenn. The Knights open up the competition at 9 a.m. ET in the first of three event heats.
The top three from the heat advance directly to Saturday's semifinals, while the fourth and fifth place boats race in the repechage at 3 p.m. ET on Friday for a second chance to advance to the semifinals. The top three in the repechage also advance, while the additional teams wait to row in the third final on Sunday.
The Knights adjusted their line-up earlier in the week as senior Krystina Sarff (Valrico, Fla./Bloomingdale HS) moved to the five seat and Brittney Kusner (Sarasota, Fla./Sarasota HS) took over the seven seat. The boat also features coxswain Katie Chapman, Caitlin Pauls, Stephanie Pauls, Tanis Franchuk, Melissa Westhoff, Stephanie Adams and Erin Riegel. Robin Capers and Tara Rogers traveled with the team as alternates.
"We did time trials at our home course on Lake Pickett Monday and the new lineup seems to be faster," said UCF head coach Leeanne Crain. "We've practiced twice on Melton Hill Lake - yesterday afternoon and this morning. The boat seems to be moving pretty well. I think they'll be ready to go in the heat tomorrow."
In Friday's heat, UCF races against UCLA, Virginia, Brown and Harvard. The Knights beat both UCLA and Virginia earlier in the season.
Princeton is the reigning varsity eight titleholder, while two-time defending champion California is one of seven full teams returning from the 2006 field.
The two semifinal races take place Saturday beginning at 9 a.m. ET. The third, petite and grand finals are scheduled for Sunday starting at 12:15 p.m. ET. For the latest news and information on the Knights, tickets or apparel log on to www.ucfathletics.com - the official site for UCF varsity sports.
Varsity Eight Line-Up
Cox: Katie Chapman, Stroke: Caitlin Pauls, 7:Brittney Kusner, 6: Stephanie Pauls, 5: Krystina Sarff, 4: Tanis Franchuk, 3: Melissa Westhoff, 2: Stephanie Adams, Bow: Erin Riegel. Alternates: Robin Capers, Tara Rogers.