May 15, 2004
OAK RIDGE, TN —
The University of Iowa women’s rowing team finished the first day of competition in the 2004 Lexus Central/South Region sprints today. The Hawkeyes advanced the First Varsity Four to the C Level Finals, while the First Novice Eight, Second Varsity eight, and First Varsity Eight to the Petite Finals. The regatta is hosted by the University of Tennessee on Melton Hill Lake.
The First Novice Eight picked up a third place finish with a time of 8:20.7, and a fifth place finish in the Repechage to move into the Petite Finals. The First Varsity Four finished with a time of 8:12.1, which put them in fifth place and advanced to them to the C Level Final tomorrow at 9:30. Iowa’s Second Varsity Eight placed fourth in their heat today with a time of 7:10.1. The Hawkeyes’ First Varsity Eight crossed the finish line with a time of 6:55.0 which was good enough for third place and a trip to the Petite Finals.
The Second Varsity Eight moved into the Petite Finals with a fourth place showing in the semifinals. The First Varsity Eight chalked up a time of 6:57.7 in the semifinals to put them in fifth place and the Petite Finals.
“I was really pleased with the First Varsity Eight today,” said head coach Mandi Kowal. “This was one of their best heats of the year. This morning everyone just looked relaxed and confident. I think we just had a lot of fun qualifying. I knew it was going to be tough with all of the great competition here, but I never expected us to do this well.”
Tomorrow’s First Varsity Four competes at 9:30. The First Novice Eight Petite Finals will begin at 10:30. Iowa’s Second Varsity Eight will compete at 11:10, followed by the First Varsity Eight at 11:30.
Results (Winner Plus Iowa) First Varsity Eight 1. Michigan 6:46.3 5. IOWA 6:57.7
Second Varsity Eight 1. Virginia 6:55.3 4. IOWA 7:20.1
First Varsity Four 1. Virginia 7:50.8 5. IOWA 8:12.1
REPECHAGES
First Novice Eight 1. Virginia 7:59.5 5. IOWA 8:30.7