After an eventful loss against USC, the UCLA rowing team was able to experience a victory despite its loss, a loss that led the team to look at the Pac-12 championship this weekend with a new and replenished energy.
“We are inspired by the victory of the second varsity eight against USC, but also prepared to have to physically dig deeper to beat out the other Pac-12 schools,” said senior port Carolina Paini.
Shifting their focus from a dual-meet perspective, the Bruins have been focusing on pushing past multiple crews that will be lined up to their right and left. Since the Pac-12 championship races include seven boats across in each race, UCLA has been working on maintaining control and composure within each boat over the past two weeks.
“On the account that each boat has experienced taking a lead right off the start, or pushing ahead through the middle of the race, or having to rely on the last 10 strokes to win, we are mentally resilient to attack or counterattack within any part of the race,” Paini said.
With their motto of the year “Rise Up,” the Bruins have been building momentum throughout the season. They are calming their nerves as well as focusing on their energy and amount of rest through this midterm season.
“With many members … from the varsity eight weak from a stomach bug that tore through the team, we all did an awesome job of cheering for the crews that did well at full strength and coming alongside the crews that were struggling for (a push) through adversity,” said junior port Kate Miller.
Motivation for these women comes from the continuous energy that they give to each other. Sharing the excitement to race, along with the many hours of dedication that they shared together, the Bruins prepare for the Pac-12 championship in their own special way.
“We all really feed off of each other’s energy and excitement to race and do activities with the team, such as exchanging motivational notes and gifts with people in our boat,” Miller said.
The senior Bruins are excited to put in all their efforts, compiled over the past years, in their final Pac-12 championship.
“I am a senior, so I want to leave it all on the water and put together a really feisty 200 meter like we have trained to do,” said senior stroke Natalie Pettee.
Through thick and thin, the Bruins have been supporting each other to the end. With the Pac-12 championship around the corner, the women are counting on one another to pull the team through.
“I believe that the result will reflect the incredible amount of work we have put out in this season, but no matter what I am so incredibly honored to be a part of this Bruin family full of girls who have risen up this season and inspired me to new heights every day,” Miller said.