Varsity Eight rowing crew closer to NCAA berth after SoCal Challenge
By Daily Bruin Staff
April 12, 2010 12:55 p.m.
The UCLA rowing team’s Varsity Eight squad came away victorious in both of their races Saturday in Marina Del Rey as the team took an important step to qualifying for the NCAA Championships in late May.
The team hosted USC, Notre Dame and Clemson at La Ballona Creek in the first-ever SoCal Challenge, a competition the team hopes can become an annual event.
The morning session saw UCLA face off against No. 12 Clemson, and the No. 8 Trojans go up against Notre Dame. The Bruins’ Varsity Eight started off the day with a solid upset over the Tigers, coming to a finish in 6:53.10, while Clemson’s crew finished in 7:06.49. However, UCLA’s Second Varsity Eight, Varsity Four, Second Varsity Four and Novice Eight all dropped their races to Clemson.
In the afternoon session, the Bruins and Trojans switched opponents, UCLA had a much easier time with Notre Dame, not losing a single race against the Fighting Irish. The Varsity Eight cruised to victory once again, finishing in 7:26.30 and winning by 10.03 seconds.
On the day, Clemson went 7-2, UCLA and USC went 5-4, and Notre Dame was 0-8.
The SoCal Challenge concluded the home season for the Bruins. The team travels to Oregon State April 17.
Compiled by Ryan Menezes, Bruin Sports contributor.
