March 29, 2009
WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. - The second varsity eight boat and the novice eight boat each picked up victories to lead the San Diego State rowing team to a split with UC Davis Sunday morning at the Port of Sacramento.
Rough conditions challenged the crews at the Port of Sacramento with a strong crosswind that increased throughout racing and forced cancellation of the varsity four, the day's final race. The outgoing tide, high winds and rough water conditions also made for much slower times over the 2,000-meter course.
"Overall our boats had a better day on the water," head coach Jennifer Zebroski said. "We each rowed a little more consistent to how we practice and it showed in the results."
The second varsity eight continued their success with a dominating victory over the Aggie boat (7:36.31), winning by more than 22 seconds with a time of 7 minutes, 13.82 seconds. It was the second straight victory for the second varsity eight boat, which remained undefeated against its WIRA opponents this season.
"Our (second varsity eight) boat had another great race," Zebroski said. "Our goal was to have two days of consistent racing and two wins. We did that and I couldn't be prouder of their effort."
In the novice eight race, the Aztecs finished first in 7:14.10, over five seconds ahead of UC Davis (7:19.64).
"We had a much better race today than yesterday (at Sacramento State)," Zebroski said. "They stuck to their race plan and had a strong, positive row."
The varsity eight race came down to the end, with Aggies holding onto the late-charging SDSU boat and winning by just over one second (6:53.47-6:54.51).
"The varsity eight had another close race," Zebroski said. "We're close and getting better, but we need more fire, which we'll work on this week at practice."
Finally, the two UC Davis second novice eight boats got the best of San Diego State, taking first and second with times of 7:42.07 (`A' boat) and 7:46.93 (`B' boat), respectively. The Aztecs were third in 8:16.40.
"Both UC Davis boats were solid today," Zebroski said. "We have a lot of work to do with our technique and power, and we need to get better for the San Diego Crew Classic."
SDSU will be back in the water on Friday when it takes on Oklahoma on Mission Bay, before competing in the San Diego Crew Classic on Saturday and Sunday.
San Diego State-UC Davis Race Results
Varsity Eight
1. UC Davis - 6:53.47
2. San Diego State - 6:54.51
Second Varsity Eight
1. San Diego State - 7:13.82
2. UC Davis - 7:36.31
Novice Eight
1. San Diego State - 7:14.10
2. UC Davis - 7:19.64
Second Novice Eight
1. UC Davis `A' - 7:42.07
2. UC Davis `B' - 7:46.93
3. San Diego State - 8:16.40