W. rowing: Women’s rowing set to defend Miller Cup title against LMU

After a strong performance in last Saturday’s Stanford
Invitational Regatta, the UCLA women’s rowing team will look
to defend its title at the 29th Annual Miller Cup Regatta on
Saturday at Ballona Creek in Marina Del Rey.

Of the teams competing this weekend, Loyola Marymount will most
likely be the toughest competition for the Bruins. Although UCLA
(4-1) lost to LMU in the Cal Cup, they have defeated the Lady Lions
once this season, and they are confident about Saturday’s
matchup.

“We’re looking to put the nail in the coffin against
LMU on Saturday,” co-captain Irene Condella said. “The
loss at the Cal Cup was disappointing, but when it comes to LMU, I
think we’re definitely faster. We’re fitter and row
better, and we’re confident that we’ll win this
weekend.”

UCLA lost to the Lions by 8 seconds in the Cal Cup early this
month. That loss came after the Bruins had defeated LMU in a dual
meet at Ballona Creek in late March.

Given the fierce competition between the two teams in the first
two races, Bruin coach Amy Fuller won’t go so far as to
predict victory. Her goals are simpler.

“We’ve been sticking to the same general training
program all year long, so our goal is simply to improve,”
Fuller said. “I want us to be faster than we were the week
before.”

Condella, a senior, echoes her coach’s sentiments. She has
seen this young NCAA program, now in only its third season, develop
throughout her collegiate career.

“We have nowhere to go but up,” Condella said.
“I’ve been on the team since we were a club sport, and
we’ve improved by leaps and bounds since then.”