Clemson rowing opens season by sweeping Eastern Michigan

The Clemson women's rowing team came away with the top three spots in both races at their first regatta of the spring season, Saturday morning on Lake Hartwell. The Tigers hosted Eastern Michigan in two races, an eights race and a fours race.

"I was really pleased with our team's performance today," said Clemson head coach Robbie Tenenbaum. "We executed our race plans well and fought hard the entire way down the race course."

Clemson took the top three spots in the first race of the day, the Varsity 8s. The reigning ACC Crew-of-the-Year, the 1st Varsity 8, took first with a time of 6:39.70. Clemson's 2nd Varsity 8 took second (6:52.09) and 1st Novice 8 took third (7:08.52). It was a tight battle for fourth place, but Eastern Michigan's 1st Varsity 8 (7:28.12) edged Clemson's 2nd Novice 8 (7:29.44) at the line for fourth. Eastern Michigan's 2nd Varsity 8 concluded the race with a time of 8:29.54.

The Tigers then took the top four spots in the second race of the day, the Varsity 4s. Clemson's 1st Varsity 4 took first (7:30.70), the 2nd Varsity 4 took second (7:52.44), and the 3rd Varsity 4 took third (8:03.28). Clemson's Novice 4 took fourth (8:23.98) and Eastern Michigan's Varsity 4 concluded the race with a time of 8:35.98.

"With a team as large as ours, I feel that it is really important to thank my staff for all their help," said Tenenbaum. "Jessica Leidecker is doing an incredible job with our novice group. They are the future of our program and I am really proud of how hard they are all working this spring. Michelle Nance is helping with both the novice and varsity groups and has been a fantastic addition to our coaching staff this year. Melanie Onufrieff, who is in her first year coaching our program, leads our 4s group. She is really doing a great job with our 4s, and they showed great poise and control in their race today. Josh Hudak leads our strength-training program and this has helped us gain the strength and fitness that we need to be successful."

"This team is incredibly dedicated to being successful," Tenenbaum concluded. "Everyone is working hard to reach our goals and I am very please to be leading such a great group of young women here at Clemson University."

The Tigers return to action next Saturday, March 10, as they host Northeastern at 9:00 am.

Results

Varsity 8s Race:

1. Clemson 1st Varsity 8 - 6:39.70

2. Clemson 2nd Varsity 8 - 6:52.09

3. Clemson 1st Novice 8 - 7:08.52

4. Eastern Michigan 1st Varsity 8 - 7:28.12

5. Clemson 2nd Novice 8 - 7:29.44

6. Eastern Michigan 2nd Varsity 8 - 8:29.54

Varsity 4s Race:

1. Clemson 1st Varsity 4 - 7:30.70

2. Clemson 2nd Varsity 4 - 7:52.44

3. Clemson 3rd Varsity 4 - 8:03.28

4. Clemson Novice 4 - 8:23.98

5. Eastern Michigan Varsity 4 - 8:35.98

Clemson Lineups

1st Varsity 8

Coxswain: Katie Bruggeling

Stroke: Laura D'Urso

7: Kate Biladeau

6: Laura Basadonna

5: Samantha Duggan

4: Heather Cummings

3: Ameerah Aly

2: Stephanie Cameron

Bow: Julia Ost

2nd Varsity 8

Coxswain: Emily Massey

Stroke: Aurelia Wurzel

7: Becca Brown

6: Giulia Longatti

5: Stephannie Allen

4: Maria Jose Gutierrez

3: Katie Mosier

2: Kristin Manna

Bow: MJ Keys

1st Varsity 4

Coxswain: Carissa Richardson

Stroke: Vanesa Ewais

3: Taylor Hoynacki

2: Kristen Agee

Bow: Rebekah Clogston

2nd Varsity 4

Coxswain: Jaclyn Kovach

Stroke: Sarah Young

3: Sarah Monn

2: Kenzie DuBrul

Bow: Kathleen Scibelli

3rd Varsity 4

Coxswain: Marie Rosasco

Stroke: Bre Przestrzelski

3: Sarah Egan

2: Brittany Burns

Bow: Caroline Thomas

1st Novice 8

Coxswain: Danielle Hayden

Stroke: Lindsay Rivoir

7: Virginia Fritsche

6: Alex Wall

5: Lindsey Hughes

4: Elise McVey

3: Cristina Morcom

2: Alana de Klerk

Bow: Ariana Alexandrescu

2nd Novice 8

Coxswain: Kendra Prosser

Stroke: Eden Kuhn

7: Lucy Steer

6: Kristina Brown

5: Charlotte Case

4: Kelsie Saurber

3: MaryAnn Sims

2: April Serieno

Bow: Paige Pribonic

Novice 4

Coxswain: Sarah Koering

Stroke: Kyndal Heller

3: Kerianne Pacheco

2: Kathryn Andreoli

Bow: Aylie Burnette