By, Briana Colon

RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif. - Santa Clara University's women's rowing program finished on another positive note during the first day of the 2010 WIRA Championships at Lake Natoma. Following a strong performance in the WCC's Friday, the Broncos were once again excited about the results of the Varsity 8 race as well as the Lightweight 4 race Saturday.

SCU's Varsity 8 came in seventh and closer to the field than the day before. Novice Berkeley Fial is proud to see the team results improving with each race. The Varsity Lightweight 4 race was a bigger success as they placed second. Captain Mehana Ho'opi'i was thrilled with the effort and strength the girls put in.

SCU head coach Anne Kennedy was also encouraged and related, "Our best keeps getting better. This team is enjoying the dividends of a year of hard work, with our most consistent and competitive racing coming at these WIRA Championships. The Varsity 8 is moving faster and faster, and I think our momentum can take us to a whole new level in tomorrow's petite final."

"I'm thrilled for our Lightweight 4, Mehana (Ho'opi'i) and Jen (Bullian) showed amazing leadership and toughness with back-to-back races this morning to help qualify that boat for the grand final. We've got a great combination of experienced leadership and enthusiastic youth in that boat, with Liz Koki and Adrienne Lohe representing the really bright future of our program. Racing for a medal is what we've worked for all year, and these athletes will certainly be in the hunt tomorrow."

The 2010 WIRA Championships continue Sunday.