The UCLA women’s rowing team solidified its status as a worthy competitor this past weekend after placing third at the Pac-12 Championships. Coach Amy Fuller Kearney led the No. 7 women’s rowing team to the best finish in its 11-year establishment at UCLA, setting a new standard for the burgeoning program.
The team’s novice eight boat raced to second place, the best finish among UCLA’s crew. The Bruins’ varsity four and second varsity eight boats finished in third place, and the varsity eight boat placed fourth.
No. 1 California and No. 8 Washington won first and second place, respectively. The Golden Bears skewered the competition after finishing with an almost 15-point advantage on the Huskies, who garnered just one more point than the Bruins after several close races.
As the Bruins push past the regional meet, they look ahead to the NCAA Championships. If the team is selected to move on to the championship meet, it will travel to Lake Mercer in West Windsor, N.J., to compete on May 25-27.
After the success of this season, with the establishment of the team as a top competitor and the incorporation of solid recruits, the UCLA women’s rowing team is well-equipped for the upcoming championship meet, and will certainly return as a notable threat next year.
Compiled by Taylor Aquino, Bruin sports contributor.