ORLANDO – The Knights have accomplished yet another feat following the sweep of the Sarasota 2k last week with the First 4+ claiming this week’s Big 12 Boat of the Week honors.
UCF’s First 4+ delivered two standout performances at the Sarasota 2K, earning the second consecutive Big 12 Boat of the Week title for the Knights to open the season.
The boat of five powered to two decisive victories, contributing to the Black and Gold’s full‑event sweep for the second straight year. The crew opened the weekend by winning its heat in 7:25.71, crossing the finish twelve seconds ahead of Iowa.
With all UCF boats advancing to the Grand Finals, the First 4+ returned to the water to claim the A Final, crossing the line at 7:41.06, finishing more than four seconds of open water ahead of then No.15 Dartmouth.
The lineup featured returning NCAA Championships participants in Kesha Bruinette and Amber Tulloch, joined by coxswain Vianna Smith along with Olivia Werner and Sophia Keller. Their efforts at Nathan Benderson Park helped UCF sweep all five grand finals and rise to a program‑best No. 12 in the latest CRCA poll. The honor marks the Knights’ second consecutive Big 12 Boat of the Week recognition.
ABOUT UCF ATHLETICS
UCF is a proud member of the Big 12 Conference. Our mission is to positively transform the lives of our students academically, athletically, and personally through a nationally competitive intercollegiate athletics program that enhances the reputation and visibility of the University. We strive to be Florida's preeminent athletic program, representing UCF and our community with distinction on the national stage as "Orlando's Hometown Team". To learn more about UCF and Athletics, please visit our websites at www.ucf.edu and www.ucfknights.com.