ROWING: Second Varsity Eight Takes Win Over Alabama

[PonyPride]

Second Varsity Eight Takes Win Over Alabama
Mustangs Win 2V8 by Over Three Seconds


TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (SMU)--The Mustang second varsity eight boat took a big win over Alabama Saturday morning on the Black Warrior River. The win highlighted the four-race day for SMU.

The second varsity eight crew, comprised of coxswain Emily St. John, Kelly McKinley, Lauren Doucet, Danielle Nehf, Chantal Bohren, Ashley Luther, Caroline Merideth, Janice Merideth and Caitlin Ludwig, managed a half a length's victory over the Crimson Tide, finishing the course in 7:24.1. The Tide rolled in at 7:27.7.

In the varsity/novice four race to start the morning, SMU's varsity four (Bianca Medici, Hannah Hansing, Torre Kean, Nicolle Keogh and coxswain Emily Van Volkinburg) rallied to a third-place finish. The Tide's novice four won the race in 8:21.9, followed by Alabama's varsity four, which finished in 8:25.6. The Ponies were right behind, crossing the line in 8:35.9. Alabama's second novice four came in at 8:37.2.

The varsity eight race was pretty dramatic, as Alabama's boat crossed the finish less than five seconds ahead of the Mustangs. Elizabeth Hagerty coxed the V8, comprised of Meredith Walter, Krystal Kulka, Alexa Tuszynski, Alex Austin, Katelyn Verner, Ellen Cieszkiewicz, Amanda DeGroff and Julie Pollard, to a 7:03.5 finish. The Tide crossed the line at 6:58.6 for the win.

Keogh, Lauren Hadaway, Hansing, Kean, Rebekah James, Alex Hazelton, Sofia Davydova, Lindsay Graff and coxswain Ali Smith made up the novice eight. The crew rowed to a 7:53.8 finish.

"We had a great race, considering we hadn't rowed since Tuesday because of all the wind we've had in Dallas," said head coach Doug Wright. "We definitely have the speed. We might need some personnel changes, but this is only our second race in four weeks. I'm very happy with the way our second varsity rowed. They really pulled it together this morning and executed the race plan to a `T.' They rowed a smart race and it was very exciting to watch. We'll continue to improve from here."

The Mustangs are back in action next Saturday, April 5 as they head south to take on Texas in Austin. For the complete schedule and results, log on to SMUMustangs.com.

Varsity/Novice 4+
1. Alabama (N) 8:21.9
2. Alabama Varsity 8:25.6
3. SMU Varsity 8:35.9
4. Alabama (N2) 8:37.2

Second Varsity 8+
1. SMU 7:24.1
2. Alabama 7:27.7

First Varsity 8+
1. Alabama 6:58.6
2. SMU 7:03.5

Novice 8+
1. Alabama 7:17.9
2. SMU 7:53.8

[PK]

"The Tide rolled in..." Good one. I like it.

[Pony Up]

Congratulations. I don't know a damn thing about rowing, and I don't know if Bama's any good, but for a young program to knock off a big state school is always a good thing. Keep up the good work, ladies.