March 17, 2003
CHARLOTTEVILLE, Va. - The San Diego State women's crew team won two of three races over the weekend at the Rivanna Reservoir in Charlottesville, Va. SDSU lost to Virginia in the second varsity eight, before coming back to win both of its races against Delaware.
In the Aztecs' varsity eight race, SDSU competed in flat conditions while battling a head wind in its race with the Cavaliers. The Aztecs finished that contest in 7:30, while Virginia clocked in with a first-place time of 7:02. SDSU's second varsity eight also raced against the Cavaliers' second varsiy eight and came up short, finishing at 7:44 to Virginia's time of 7:13.
"In the varsity eight race against Virginia, the Aztecs had a solid showing, but 'caught a crab' at about 400 meters to go, which completely stopped the momentum of the boat and slowed its finish significantly," said SDSU head coach Scott Steckel.
San Diego State fared much better in its races with Delaware, as the Aztec second varsity eight team finished three seconds ahead of the Blue Hens, pulling in at 7:34 while Delaware finished at 7:37. SDSU again topped the Blue Hens in the varsity eight race, with a time of 7:05.
"We performed really well," said Steckel. "It was a good early-season race for us and a great opportunity to compete on the East coast. Virginia is very good and we raced them tough in the varsity eight. I think it is important to go up against the best teams and see how we stack up."
The Aztecs' varsity eight shell consisted of Stephanie Snaman at stroke seat, team captain Alicia Stuebner at seven, and Britanny McMahon, Kristin Olson, Stephanie Loutas, Sarah McKillip and Amy Opielowski at seats six, five, four, three and two, respectively. Stella Conger in the bow seat and Alison Abrams at coxswain rounded out the members of the varsity eight shell. Alicia Chudy led the second varsity eight boat as coxswain and Rachel Saldivar sat in the bow seat, with Ashley Paiko at the stroke seat and Amber Kerns, Venesa Meses, Kate Stromberg, Becky Cattaneo, Sarah Fox, Krista Lysogorski and Rachel Saldivar at seats seven through two, respectively.
SDSU crew's next race is set for Sunday, March 23, when the Aztecs compete in the Long Beach Spring Regatta at Marine Stadium. The San Diego State lightweight women will compete against LBSU lightweights and Chapman University.
SDSU vs. VirginiaVarsity EightVirginia 7:02SDSU 7:30
Second Varsity EightVirginia 7:13SDSU 7:44
SDSU vs. DelawareVarsity EightSDSU 7:05Delaware 7:13
Second Varsity EightSDSU 7:34Delaware 7:37