April 2, 2008

LOS GATOS, Calif. -- On Saturday at the Pac-10 Rowing Challenge/Windemere Regatta the Santa Clara Lightweight 8 raced the Princeton Lightweight JV8. Santa Clara had a solid race and finished just ten seconds behind Princeton.

"I believe it was the first time Santa Clara has ever raced a lightweight 8 during the spring racing season, at least in the past 10 years," said head coach Carlo Facchino.

Santa Clara had a solid start and challenged the Princeton JV8 in the first 500 meters of the race. Princeton was able to pull ahead and continue to move out during the second half of the race to win by the slim margin of ten seconds.

"It was great to see our Lightweight 8 get their first official race. For the three seniors in the boat it has been a long time dream to put out a lightweight 8 and it was great to see it happen," said Facchino. "I'm hoping we will get another chance to row our lightweight 8 prior to the WIRA championships, but with three of the lightweights also rowing in the Varsity 8 we typically have to prioritize the Varsity 8."

Santa Clara is back on the water this coming Saturday and Sunday, April 5 and 6, at the San Diego Crew Classic.