Sarasota, FL—For the third time in program history the Mercyhurst Women's Rowing Team are NCAA Division II National Champions.
The fours were the first Mercyhurst boat in the Grand Final with the chance to win a national championship. Just like in their first heat of the week, they did not lead until they hit the finish line. The team of Seanna Zona(Cox), Grace Skapura(4), Emma Lassig(3), Audrey Smith(2), and Teagan Spracklen(1) were trailing by almost two seconds after 500 meters. At the halfway mark they still trailed by almost two seconds. With 500 meters remaining the Lakers trailed by just .6 of a second. The Lakers crossed the line with a time of 7:47.465 winning by two and a half seconds. It is the first time in program history that a Mercyhurst fours boat has won an NCAA National Championship.
About a half hour later, the eights were in the water looking to earn a sweep and give the Lakers the team championship. It was one of the tightest races among all three divisions as all four boats were within a second of each other after 500 meters. At the halfway point the top three boats were split by less than half a second. With 500 meters remaining Mercyhurst, Western Washington, and Thomas Jefferson were all within a second of each other. It came down to the final stroke and the team of Gabrielle Christello(Cox), Olivia Avery(8), Ann Kathrin Mueller(7), Anna Majek(6), Elizabeth Northrup(5), Maclain Zajicek(4), Natalie Peddell(3), Autumn Kearny(2), and Erin Jackson(1) took one extra stroke and defeated Western Washington by .03 of second for a national championship.
"Today was a special day and one that I will never forget. In all my years coaching the performances these ladies put together was just outstanding." Director of Rowing Adrian Spracklen said. "To win the way we did in two of the best races I have been fortunate enough to be a part of is just fantastic." Spracklen credited a tough opponents, "Western Washington gave us all we could handle and I tip my hat off to them, what a race that final was."
"To win on the last stroke is by far the best way to win. I am so proud of everyone that contributed to us getting where we are because without them, we wouldn't be standing here as National Champion. What a fine group of women and I am so proud of them and to be their coach."
The Lakers have won three national championships in their program history, it is their first one since 2010. It is the first time in which both boats have won national championship in the same regatta.
