Marietta, Oh. - Mercyhurst men's and women's rowing went on the road for the buckeye state Saturday, competing at Marietta College on the Muskingum River. The team walked away with a first place finish in one of their races, helping them grab some momentum here in the early part of their schedule.

How it Happened

The women's varsity eights were first in the water, competing against both Dayton and Marietta. The Lakers were able to push past the frigid temperatures and strong currents on their way to the top spot with a time of 6:34.6 while Dayton's A team came in second with their B team in third and Marietta rounding out the group.

Next in the water for the Lakers was the men's varsity eights with Mercyhurst competing against Temple. The Lakers fought hard against the Owls during their time in the boat, but were not quite able to come away with the victory as Temple finished with a time of 5:39.1 while Mercyhurst came in at 5:49.9.

The women's fours were up next with the team seeing both Marietta and Dayton once again with the Flyers sending out two boats. Mercyhurst found themselves in the middle of a tight race throughout but were not quite able to come away with the win. Dayton's A team ended up finishing first with a time of 7:17.4 with the Lakers coming in right behind them at 7:22.4 while the other Flyer in third and Marietta rounding out the group.

The varsity eights were once again in the water in the final race of the day for the Lakers. They ended up competing against a pair of Temple boats in this one with Mercyhurst coming second. The Lakers fought hard against their opponents and the fast conditions on the water, helping them to a time of 5:48.9, coming in just eight seconds behind the Owls.

A Word from Coach

"It was an overall very positive day for the team to open the season," said Director of Rowing Adrian Spracklen. "With only one practice since training camp due to the relentless weather it felt good to get the season underway. All crews had some bright spots and early look at what is working and what needs working on. We need the weather to cooperate and spring to arrive so we get some consistency in our training," said Spracklen, looking ahead to warmer days on the water.

Next Race

The men get back out into the water soon with the team traveling to Leonia, NJ for the Lightweight Invite on Saturday, March 30th, while the women have to wait a bit longer. They do not see competition again until the Knecht Cup on in the middle of April on the 13th and 14th with the Lakers going to Cherry Hill, NJ for that race.