HENDERSON, Nev. - Washington women's rowing will begin their 2017 spring season this Saturday, March 4th, at the brand new Lake Las Vegas Collegiate Invitational.
Women's head coach Yasmin Farooq and the team will take three boats to Lake Las Vegas. In the morning, the Huskies will square off head-to-head against the University of Southern California in varsity eight, second varsity eight, and varsity four races over 2000 meters. In the afternoon, the same boats will race USC again, but this time in shorter, 500 and 1000 meter pieces.
"It seems like the fall just happened," said women's head coach Yaz Farooq. "The winter has been really productive. I am excited for our team to race against a traditionally strong opponent in USC, and for both of our squads to get an opportunity to do some sparring before the season is fully underway."
Last season, USC finished fourth in the varsity eight Petite Final at 2016 NCAA Championships and as a team finished 5th at the Pac-12 Championships.
"We are anticipating that the races will be really challenging," added Farooq. "The USC rowers are always very skilled, seasoned rowers. I know that both teams are looking forward to test driving this new venue in Las Vegas."
"As a senior I couldn't be more excited for the opportunity to open the season against strong competition on the brand new Lake Las Vegas," said senior Commodore Maggie Phillips. "The team energy is determined and focused. We can't wait to test our training and make an important step in speed for our 2017 season."
The Lake Las Vegas Collegiate Invitational, hosted by the Lake Las Vegas Rowing Club, is a brand new regatta formed this year. It will feature only two women's collegiate teams: Washington and Southern California. On the men's side, Oregon State, Nevada State College, San Diego State, and University of California-Santa Barbara will compete.
Here is a look at this Saturday's racing schedule:
Morning
9:20 a.m. – Women's Varsity 4+ (UW, USC)
10:00 a.m. – Women's Second Varsity 8+ (UW, USC)
10:40 a.m. – Women's Varsity 8+ (UW, USC)
Afternoon
2:40 p.m. – Women's Varsity 4+ (UW, USC)
3:00 p.m. – Women's Second Varsity 8+ (UW, USC)
3:20 p.m. – Women's Varsity 8+ (UW, USC)