March 28, 2009
GOLD RIVER, Calif. - The second varsity eight boat came through with almost a seven second victory to lead the San Diego State rowers Saturday morning against Sacramento State on Gold River, Calif. It was the lone win for the Aztecs over six races after some late injuries and illnesses forced lineup changes in numerous boats.
"I was proud of the way we fought today," head coach Jennifer Zebroski said. "I think all the (lineup) changes may have had a mental effect on us, but I expect a better performance tomorrow against UC Davis."
In the second varsity eight race, SDSU finished first over the 2,000-meter course in 7 minutes, 5.8 seconds, easily outdistancing the host Hornets' boat (7:12.7).
"I was very happy with the way our (second varsity eight) boat performed today," Zebroski said. "Our goal was to have consistent races both days as they have been fairly inconsistent in practice with races plans. I think they will have another solid race tomorrow."
In the varsity eight race, San Diego State finished second with a time of 6:59.5, 13 seconds back from Sac State's 6:46.5.
"(The varsity eight boat) never really got into the race," Zebroski said. "They were not getting good stroke ratio and it was disappointing, because I know they are capable of so much more. They've proven that in races against other competitors and I expect them to pull together tomorrow against UC Davis."
The Aztecs also finished second in both novice eight races. In the first novice eight race, the Hornets took first in 7:07.4, followed by SDSU in 7:15.3. The results were similar in the second novice eight race (Sac State - 7:40.5; San Diego State - 7:46.6).
"Just like the varsity eight boat, our novices had an off day today," Zebroski said. "We've been practicing well, we just have to put this behind us and redeem ourselves tomorrow."
Sacramento State also took both the varsity four (7:52.5-8:03.0) and novice four (8:25.6-8:40.2) races.
San Diego State and UC Davis will meet tomorrow (Sunday), beginning with the novice eight race at 8:30 a.m. on the Port of Sacramento.
San Diego State-Sacramento State Race Results
Varsity Eight
1. Sacramento State - 6:46.5
2. San Diego State - 6:59.5
Second Varsity Eight
1. San Diego State - 7:05.8
2. Sacramento State - 7:12.7
Novice Eight
1. Sacramento State - 7:07.4
2. San Diego State - 7:15.3
Second Novice Eight
1. Sacramento State - 7:40.5
2. San Diego State - 7:46.6
Varsity Four
1. Sacramento State - 7:52.5
2. San Diego State - 8:03.0
Novice Four
1. Sacramento State - 8:25.6
2. San Diego State - 8:40.2