ORLANDO – No. 12 UCF rowing’s top boat has claimed another Big 12 Boat of the Week award, marking the second for the season for the First 8+ and third consecutive representation from UCF.
With the recognition, the Knights became the first program since 2019 to secure three consecutive Big 12 weekly honors.
The First 8+, coxswained by Audrey Vilendrer and powered by Sofia Naboni Nevado, Ines Martin, Coralie Detre, Lucy Buckingham, Madison Lovejoy, Brigitte Kappler, Amalie Thorsen and reigning Big 12 Rower of the Year Hannah Lovejoy delivered back‑to‑back statement wins in Columbus. Their performance capped a weekend in which UCF swept every race they entered for the fourth straight event, extending a streak of first‑place finishes that dates back to the Miami Dual in 2025.
The Knights opened the two‑day regatta with four victories on Friday evening, setting the tone early at Griggs Reservoir. While all boats contributed to the sweep, the First 8+ closed the night with a decisive win, crossing in 6:35.5 to secure the program’s fourth consecutive clean sweep.
On Saturday morning, the First 8+ returned to the water to launch the second day of racing, this time setting the standard for the Black and Gold, beginning the day on the course. Facing two ranked opponents in then No. 20 Ohio State and No. 19 North Carolina, the Knights surged ahead and stopped the clock at 6:19.2, finishing with open water ahead of the host Buckeyes the Tar Heels. The victory marked the crew’s fourth and fifth consecutive race wins on the season and earned them their second Big 12 weekly honor of the year.
The Knights will now turn their attention to the Orlando Invite which will feature plenty of talent in No. 15 Miami, No. 13 Alabama, Clemson, No. 14 Duke, No. 18 Penn, SMU and No. 22 Oklahoma. The race will take place on home waters of Lake Pickett beginning with heats on April 17 and finals on April 18 with the first race slated for 7:40 a.m. both days.
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.