April 3, 2005

San Diego, CA- This Saturday and Sunday women's rowing competed at the San Diego Crew Classic hosted by University of San Diego. The Gaels varsity-8 competed in the Women's Open A race alongside California, Notre Dame, Temple, Lions RC and UCI Alumni. The women finished third in their heat to move onto the Petite Final on Sunday where they placed second. Weather conditions at Mission Bay were good but during Saturday's races, the boats were forced to row against the tide, making good times more difficult to achieve.

On Saturday, the women's varsity-8 finished with a time of 7:09.95 behind the Notre Dame boat (7:05.49) and California who took the heat with a time of 6:54.3. Saint Mary's third place time landed them a position in the Petite Final that took place on Sunday.

On Sunday, Saint Mary's wrapped up competition in the Women's Open Petite where they competed against UCLA, Lake Union, River City, Sac State Alum and Tempe Rowing. The Gaels finished a close race with a time of 7:19.33, just one second behind UCLA (7:18.4). The Saint Mary's boat started off with a good flight, taking the lead in the first 500 meters. UCLA then pulled ahead and the race came down to the sprint which UCLA countered in the last 1000 meters.

The Gaels return to the water next weekend when they compete at the Windermere Classic on April 9 and 10.

Women's Open A
1. Cal          6:54.3
2. Notre Dame   7:05.49
3. Saint Mary's 7:09.95
4. Tempe Rowing 7:21.56
5. Lions RC     7:24.97
6. UCI Alumnis  7:52.13
Women's Open Petite Final
1. UCLA           7:18.4
2. Saint Mary's   7:19.33
3. Lake Union     7:29.68
4. River City     7:30.62
5. Sac State Alum 7:32.01
6. Tempe Rowing   7:38.18