OAK RIDGE, Tenn. -- Ranked second in the nation, the Mercyhurst College women's varsity eight displayed its power yet again with its second gold medal in as many weeks, this time at the Southern Intercollegiate Rowing Association Regatta.

After taking gold at the Knecht Cup, the Lakers crossed the finish line this week in a time of 6:59.7, defeating third-ranked Barry University by nearly 10 seconds.  Grand Valley St. finished as the runner-up while Nova Southeastern took fourth, Florida Tech fifth and Florida sixth to round out the A final.

The varsity eight, led by Annie Schiller at bow, Alexandra Salen in the two seat, Rachel Beste at three, Sally O'Brien at four, #Alicia Peterson at five, Bethany Brun at six, Leah Niecgorski in the seventh seat, Amanda Carlyon at stroke and Lindsey Crosby, made their way to the finals by taking first in the opening heat before adding another first-place finish in the AB semifinals.

The Lakers defeated Xavier, Marietta, LSU and Tulane in the first heat with a time of 6:55.3 while posting a time of 6:42 in the semifinals.