First Varsity Eight Captures Jessop-Whittier Cup in San Diego

Sunday, April 5

San Diego, Calif.

9:15 AM PT

Michigan

San Diego Crew Classic (V8, 2V8)

First Varsity Eight Captures Jessop-Whittier Cup in San Diego

4/5/2009 12:00:00 AM | Rowing

Site: San Diego, Calif. (Mission Bay)
Event: San Diego Crew Classic
First Varsity Eight: 1st Place of 6 Teams (6:43.2)
Next U-M Event: Saturday, April 11 -- vs. Iowa, Louisville, Wisconsin (Belleville, Mich.), 9 a.m./1 p.m.

SAN DIEGO, Calif. -- The No. 6-ranked University of Michigan women's rowing first varsity eight captured the Jessop-Whittier Cup on Sunday (April 5) at the San Diego Crew Classic. The Wolverines beat out five other boats ranked among the top 20 in the nation -- No. 4 Washington, No. 11 Southern California, No. 12 Washington State, No. 15 Wisconsin and No. 18 Oregon State.

U-M's second varsity eight posted a runner-up finish in its race for the Jackie Ann Stitt Hungness Trophy, trailing only the Washington Huskies.

Michigan's first varsity eight was roughly half a deck back of Washington through the opening 250 meters. Crossing the 500-meter mark, the leader was too close to call between U-M, UW and Southern Cal. The Wolverines then took control of the race, earning a narrow lead on USC by the midpoint of the race. By the 1,500-meter buoy, Michigan had extended its lead on the field and held a late five-seat lead despite a sprint by Washington. U-M's time of 6:43.2 bested the Huskies by 2.63 seconds. Wisconsin, USC, Oregon State and Washington State placed third through sixth, respectively.

The Michigan second varsity eight used a very strong start in its race to take an early two-seat advantage on Washington. A half-deck lead prevailed at 500 meters, however, the Huskies made a move to draw even by 1,000 meters. As Washington took the lead in the third quarter of the race, U-M had to contend with the Badgers and Women of Troy. While the Huskies wound up winning in 7:00.00, the Maize and Blue (7:02.08) held off Wisconsin (7:04.71) and Southern Cal (7:04.73) to take second place. Notre Dame and Oregon State were fifth and sixth, respectively.

Michigan hosts its only home event of the season next Saturday (April 11) when Iowa, Louisville and Wisconsin visit Belleville Lake for a double dual. Racing is scheduled for 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.

RESULTS

 First Varsity Eight 1. Michigan 6:43.2 2. Washington 6:45.83 3. Wisconsin 6:47.24 4. Southern Cal 6:48.49 5. Oregon State 6:49.65 6. Wash. State 6:52.25 Second Varsity Eight 1. Washington 7:00.00 2. Michigan 7:02.08 3. Wisconsin 7:04.71 4. Southern Cal 7:04.73 5. Notre Dame 7:09.47 6. Oregon State 7:11.92

Q U O T E S

Head Coach Mark Rothstein
On this weekend' s results ... "This was a great weekend, both in Indiana (at the Dale England Cup) and here in San Diego. The first varsity eight raced well. They had good composure and executed the race plan, which allowed them to win. It was great too see that. We saw good competition this weekend -- we will see some of these crews again in a few weeks. It's great to get a victory like this. Still, it's early April and we have a lot of improvements to make and there is work to be done."

LINEUPS

First Varsity Eight -- Laura Dunn (coxswain), Melisa Ongun, Cate Trumble, Adrienne Mecham, Ashley Kroll, Cristina Felix, Karen Colwell, Felice Mueller, Emily Eiffert.

Second Varsity Eight -- Erica Macke (coxswain), Liz McCannell, Maggie Cooper, Kari Stenbakken, Sarah Gribler, Natalie Eisermann, Casey Timmons, Kate Strzalkowski, Ashley Jones.