ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) - After helping UCF win its second consecutive American Athletic Conference championship, UCF's Second Varsity Eight was named The American Boat of the Year on Tuesday.
The squad, consisting of Catherine Harms, Edvina Nesukaityte, Jasmine Blais, Rachael Klunder, Sarah Gordon, Dani Burton, Lauren Wasko, Danielle Taylor and Julia Chase, gave the Knights the top-league honor for the second straight season. In 2015, UCF's Varsity Eight was named the Boat of the Year.
The lineup made its debut on April 23, earning the win at Miami with its fastest time all season (6:50.1). One week later, the squad shaved nearly three seconds off its time from Miami, posting a season-best time of 6:47.7 at the Tennessee Invitational.
The boat helped the Knights win their second straight conference title, finishing with a time of 6:50.3, almost eight seconds faster than second-place Sacramento State.
In all three races, the Second Varsity lineup has posted sub-6:51 times. Junior Rachael Klunder was named to The American First Team after helping her team repeat as league champions.
The Knights return to the Sacramento State Aquatic Center this week for the 2016 NCAA Championships. UCF opens competition on Friday at 9 a.m. PT/noon ET. Daily results will be posted on NCAA.com. A live webcast will also be available during each day of competition.
