March 5, 2005
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - The Santa Clara crew programs got their seasons underway at the Sacramento State Dual Meet in Sacramento on Saturday. The Bronco men claimed wins in both the varsity eight and four races, while the women were unable to win a match-up against the Hornets.
"We had some very strong races today," said men's head coach Tony Barcia. "In varsity eight, we were able to hold off Sacramento State for the fifth year in a row. Santa Clara and Sacramento State rowing programs have a healthy rivalry, so getting this win means a lot to the athletes. In the varsity four, it was a tenacious race throughout. We were behind by almost a second with only 300 meters remaining in the race, but came back to win by almost two seconds with a strong final sprint."
The Santa Clara men's varsity eight boat posted a time of 6:17, while the Hornets finished with a time of 6:23. In the varsity four race, the Broncos finished in 7:08 as the Hornets were two seconds behind at 7:10. The Sacramento State B boat came in at 7:17, while the SCU B boat finished at 7:23.
In the novice men's races, the Bronco rowers saw their first collegiate action. The Hornets claimed a win in the novice four in a time of 7:08.25 as SCU came in at 7:33.4. In the novice eight race, the Hornets placed first in a time of 6:57 as Santa Clara cross the line only a second behind at 6:58. The B boats were also a second off as Sacramento State came in at 7:02 with SCU right behind at 7:03.
On the women's side, Santa Clara was unable to pick up a win in its four races against the Hornets.
"Although we didn't win a race, this is a good start for us,' said head coach Stephanie Shepherd. "These are all decent times and Sacramento State is a strong program."
Sacramento State came in with a time of 6:47.4 in the varsity eight race with the Broncos crossing the line at 7:16.5. In the varsity four, the Hornets finished in a time of 7:58.2 with their A boat and 8:09 with their B boat. The Broncos finished in a time of 8:17.9. Sacramento State won the novice four in a time of 7:34 as SCU finished in a time of 8:06. On the novice eight side, SCU posted a time of 7:42.6 behind Sacramento State's 7:09.
The men's team will continue to compete this weekend at the Davis Invitational Regatta. Both programs will return to action at the WCC Challenge on March 19-20 at Lake Natoma.
